OHSU studies new flu vaccine that might offer lifetime protection

(JULY 24, 2024) There is new research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The research shows a new way to make a flu vaccine. The new vaccine could give lifetime protection. This "one and done" vaccine would protect against a changing virus.

The study tested the new vaccine on monkeys. Researchers used a flu virus from 1918. That disease killed millions of people. Researchers wanted to see if it could protect against the H5N1 flu virus, which is a very dangerous virus today.

Eleven monkeys were given the 1918 flu vaccine. Six monkeys survived. Another six monkeys were not vaccinated, and they all died.

Current flu vaccines focus on antibodies. They target the outside of the virus. But the outside of the virus changes a lot. The new method targets the inside of the virus, which doesn't change much.

Dr. Jonah Sacha is the lead researcher. He says this vaccine could be ready in five years or less. He believes this method could work against other changing viruses, like COVID-19. The OHSU vaccine is also being tested for HIV and may help target cancer cells.