A jab now to help quit smoking

London - A "genetic vaccine" will halt nicotine cravings and could even be used to stop children starting the habit, say experts.

Just one jab could provide life-long protection against nicotine cravings and it could eventually be used to vaccinate children to stop them ever getting hooked.

The vaccine, being developed at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, has so far been tested only on mice, but research involving people could begin in as little as two years, Daily Mail reported Thursday.

The jab contains genes "programmed" to make antibodies that neutralise nicotine before it reaches the brain, where it would normally trigger the pleasurable feelings that underlie addiction.

The theory is that if smokers no longer get such gratification from cigarettes, they will find it easier to quit.