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New Universal Flu Shot Could End Yearly Needles
2 Mar
Summary
- Scientists are developing universal flu vaccines for broader protection.
- Current flu shots are updated annually and are less than 60% effective.
- New vaccines aim to last longer and cover multiple flu strains.
Influenza remains a significant global health concern, infecting roughly a billion people annually and causing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. The virus's ability to constantly mutate necessitates yearly updates to current flu vaccines, which often have effectiveness rates below 60% and can be a poor match for circulating strains.
However, scientists are exploring the development of 'universal' flu vaccines. These innovative vaccines are designed to provide more comprehensive and longer-lasting immunity. The primary objectives are to broaden protection across multiple flu strains and to extend the vaccine's efficacy over several years, potentially negating the need for seasonal immunizations.
