
Universal flu vaccine designed by scientists
Scientists have designed a new generation of universal flu vaccines to protect against future global pandemics that could kill millions. Researchers researchers have devised two universal vaccines; a USA-specific vaccine with coverage of 95% of known US influenza strains; and a universal vaccine with coverage of 88% of known flu strains globally. Ref. Source 4m.
Skin vaccination with microneedle patch, influenza fusion protein improves efficacy of flu vaccines. A boosting skin vaccination with a biodegradable microneedle patch and protein constructed from sequences of influenza virus subtypes could improve the effectiveness of conventional influenza vaccines, according to a study. Source 3j.
While this can help people with the flu vaccines I still will not get it. I have not been vaccinated for the flu since the military forced us to get it yearly. Last vaccination for the flu I received was back in 1991 and I have yet to get the flu since then. Maybe as I get older I may look at getting it again but for now I will remain unvaccinated.
Those that I have seen getting the flu vaccinations in recent years normally end up with the flu and miserable. So I am not really sure how good these vaccinations are currently. Maybe the patch will be more effective?
I get the vaccine every year still. I guess I'm just old school. This will definitely help broaden the base of people who get it. Of course, every year the vaccine is just a best guess and is always only partially effective. By doing that I'm afraid we may create a super bug that is resistant and lethal.
High-dose flu vaccine reduces hospital visits for nursing home residents. Patients in nursing homes that provided a high-dose flu vaccine were significantly less likely than residents in standard-dose homes to go to the hospital during flu season, according to a new study. Source 6m.