500 patients to trial ‘universal’ flu vaccine

Researchers at the University of Oxford are looking for 500 NHS patients to test a new ‘universal’ vaccine against seasonal flu that offers better protection.

The vaccine targets part of the flu virus that does not change, as opposed to regular vaccines which are remade to target the type of flu that is expected to be present that year. Because the new vaccine targets the unchanging element of the virus, in theory, it should protect against human, bird and swine flu.

The vaccine used last year cut the risk in adults aged under 65 by approximately 40 per cent. However, as people age their immune systems weaken and their bodies respond differently to vaccination. The same vaccine that cut risk by 40 per cent in under-65s barely worked in over-65s.

The research team behind the new vaccine, as well as the the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), who is supporting the project, believe that using it alongside the current one could help bridge the effectiveness difference.

Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the university, said: “Every year, flu in older adults causes serious illness and sometimes death. We want to improve the situation, but in order to do that we need volunteers to help us test a new vaccine. If you are invited to take part, please consider doing so.”