Universal flu vaccine ‘may be available within two years’

A universal flu vaccine that protects against all strains of the virus could be available in the next two years, according to a leading scientist.

An experimental vaccine based on the same mRNA technology used in Covid jabs was found to protect mice and ferrets against severe influenza, paving the way for trials in humans. It was developed at the University of Pennsylvania and could be ready for use the winter after next.

Researchers have been working on universal flu vaccines for more than a decade, but the latest breakthrough, published in the journal Science, is seen as a major step towards a jab that could help protect humans from a potentially devastating flu pandemic.

Seasonal flu vaccines, which protect against up to four strains of the virus, are updated every year. The new vaccine is designed to prime the immune system against all 20 subtypes of influenza A and B.