A syringe with a vaccine could look so harmless at some point. Without a needle, but with laser technology. Researchers in the Netherlands developed it and named it Bubble Gun. David Fernandez Rivas, professor at the University of Twente. “Within a millisecond, a laser heats the container with the liquid. A bubble is created, which pushes the liquid outwards at about 100 kilometers per hour, and the liquid penetrates about a millimeter.” The researchers say the injection is “virtually painless” and that this could lower the inhibition threshold for vaccination. “This has many advantages: First of all, it eliminates fear. Needles could also be contaminated. Our immune system reacts very well when you inject into these upper layers of the skin.” Many people actually suffer from a fear of injections, trypanophobia, such as the musical actress Astrid Nijsen. The 31-year-old is undergoing therapy, but says that she is still afraid of a vaccination. “It started in puberty. If I see a needle or have to get an injection, all I want to do is leave. I would tear the place down just to avoid the injection.” Passers-by in Belgium were divided over whether a syringe without a needle would lead to more vaccinations. “Most anti-vaccination opponents don’t hold back because of the syringe, so I don’t know whether switching to laser technology will make a big difference.” “I’m not afraid of needles myself, but I know that there are people who are afraid of needles, but I don’t know if that’s the reason not to get vaccinated.” “I only got the vaccine yesterday. I admit it hurts so I think it’s a good solution.” “We are vaccinated without pain and without the feeling that something is being injected into our arm, it is a good solution.” However, it could take a few more years until that happens, depending on research progress and legal issues.