Now researchers in Germany say that the rapidly vibrating tattooneedle could be a useful way of delivering vaccines under the skin instead of insoluble ink.
Dr Martin Mueller, one of the researchers behind this work, says that the greater damage to the body caused by the tattooneedle may explain the better immune response.
Over nine years and at least a dozen sittings under a needle in a tattoo chair (Thomas said the tattoo parlor "is a great place for just hanging out too"), the 25-year old has had bits of his story inked on his body.