Hong receives an inhaled COVID-19 booster vaccine in Gongshu district, Hangzhou on Nov 14. Inhaled COVID-19 booster vaccinations were made available in the city on Nov 14. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

A needle-free COVID-19 vaccine with a sweet twist became available in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on Nov 14, and those who fear needles or who want something more convenient rushed to get the vaccine.

"It is quite a pain-free and easy process," said a 25-year-old surnamed Hong, who made an online appointment and came to the Wenhui community healthcare center in Hangzhou's Gongshu district for the vaccine dose.

The dose is administered via a cup containing the aerosol of the vaccine, and the recipient takes a deep breath from the cup, holds their breath for around five seconds and then slowly exhales.

Hangzhou previously announced that it would provide people age 18 and above with an inhalable version of CanSino Biologics' injected COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose, which was approved by China's top drug regulator in early September.

Only people who have finished their primary inoculation course and have not received their first booster shot will be eligible for the inhaled vaccine.

The inhaled dose — like widely used vaccines delivered via injection — is not recommended for those experiencing acute symptoms of chronic illnesses or people who are allergic to components of the vaccine.