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Scientists on Brink of Universal Flu Shot

March 13th, 2009

Flu shots protect against many, but not all, flu strains. Each year, flu specialists make an educated guess at which flu strains will be prevalent during seasonal outbreaks. Scientists create vaccines based on this flu strain research. Because the flu strains can mutate over time, it’s not easy to predict the strains correctly.

Efforts are being made to create a universal flu vaccine that safeguards against all strains of flu viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have identified a man-made antibody that recognizes conventional flu viruses, the 1918 virus, and bird flu viruses and neutralizes their ability to infect cells. Two benefits of this discovery are:

  • Potentially, it may be injected to help boost antibodies in recently flu-infected people.
  • As a vaccine, it may help train the body to recognize and attack all flu viruses.

Read the online NPR article or NPR audio clip.

2 Responses to “Scientists on Brink of Universal Flu Shot”

  1. Tom Fitzsimmons Says:
    March 20th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    This would be great news! Especially since last year’s vaccination seems to not have been for the same virus most people were getting. I know a lot of people who didn’t bother to get a flu vaccine this year because last year they got the flu despite careful flu vaccination.

  2. Lavanya Mohan Says:
    March 21st, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    Great efforts by this government.
    My sincere regards and thanks.

    Several bird flus are infecting men and that too children of 4, 5 years around everywhere. Some vaccination is very crucial and needed soon for all.

    Regards,
    Lavanya Mohan

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