Moderna’s Flu Vaccine Shows Positive Late-Stage Trial Results
Moderna’s experimental mRNA-based influenze (flu) vaccine produced a stronger immune response than a currently available vaccine in a late-stage trial, clearing a path forward for the product and the company’s separate combination flu and COVID vaccine.
Avian Flu and Human Vaccines: Where Things Stand
SHORTAGES AND recent spikes in egg prices have boosted public awareness that a “bird flu” is devastating domestic poultry flocks across the country. Since its arrival in the U.S. in January 2022, more than 166 million farmed poultry animals have been sacrificed in an attempt to control the spread of H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) featuring H5 hemagglutinin and N1 neuraminidase surface proteins (H5N1).
New Influenza Vaccine Provides Long-Lasting Protection and Higher Efficacy
A new clinical trial shows a single shot of a long-lasting influenza (flu) drug may protect people for an entire season, and it might do so more effectively than vaccines.
COVID-19-Influenza Combination and Standalone Influenza Vaccines Generated a Strong Immune Response
In a late-stage trial, Novavax’s experimental COVID-19-influenza combination (CIC) and standalone trivalent hemagglutinin nanoparticle seasonal influenza (tNIV) vaccines generated a strong immune response in adults aged 65 and older, similar to already approved vaccines against the viruses.
Nasal Spray Blocks Infuenza in Mice
Scientists at Ohio State University have created an antibody that was successful in protecting a majority of the tested mice from lethal influenza (flu) doses, even preventing some from experiencing any symptoms at all.
Combination Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Prompts Immune Response in Older Adults
A recent study of Moderna’s combination influenze (flu) and COVID-18 vaccine, mRNA-1083, found that it induced higher immune responses than recommended standard care influenza (standard and high dose) and COVID-19 vaccines against all four influenza strains (among those ages 50 to 64 years), the three clinically relevant influenza strains (among those aged 65 years and older), and SARS-CoV-2 (all ages), with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile.
Blood Test Can Predict How Long Vaccine Immunity Will Last
A study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine has shown that variation in vaccine durability can, in part, be attributed to a type of blood cell called megakaryocytes, typically implicated in blood clotting.
Coupling HA Molecules from Various Flu Strains Could Make Vaccines More Effective
Results from a recent study suggest coupling HA molecules from various flu strains could make flu vaccines more effective.
Study Finds Flu Vaccine Over 50% Effective Against Severe Disease in Children
According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, the estimated effectiveness of at least one dose of the influenza vaccine against emergency department visits or hospitalization was over 50 percent across disease severity levels among nearly 16,000 U.S. children during five respiratory illness seasons.
FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Combo Flu and COVID Test Outside of Emergency Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first over-the-counter combination COVID-19 and influenza test, the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test, outside of emergency use.
