Vaccination is the best way to protect against flu infection. However, the effectiveness of the vaccine varies widely among individuals.
Universal Flu Vaccine For Lifelong Protection May Soon Become Reality
Universal vaccine is the holy grail of immunization efforts against the flu, a shape-shifting virus which kills up to half a million people each year.
Universal vaccine is the holy grail of immunization efforts against the flu, a shape-shifting virus which kills up to half a million people each year.
‘Genes that were associated with a stronger immune response to the flu vaccine were identified by an increase in antibodies that protect against infection.’
Analyzing the data, the research team identified several gene "signatures," or groups of genes, that were associated with a stronger response to the flu vaccine. The response was determined by increases in antibodies that protect against infection. We "were able to identify genes at baseline, before vaccination, that would predict how individuals would respond to the vaccine," said Ruth Montgomery, associate professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine and a co-author.
The researchers also found that the while the genes were predictive of a robust vaccine response in adults younger than age 35, those same genes did not improve responses in adults over age 60. "Another finding is that genes that contribute to good immune response are different in young and older people," Montgomery noted.
New Flu Vaccine can Reduce Risk of Serious Illnesses in Children
A new study reports on the results of a randomized, controlled study that has found that the flu vaccine is able to prevent the virus more than half the time in children.
A new study reports on the results of a randomized, controlled study that has found that the flu vaccine is able to prevent the virus more than half the time in children.
The findings offer new insights into the biology of vaccine response. They may also help investigators predict responses in individuals and develop strategies to improve vaccines, Montgomery noted.
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Single-shot Flu Vaccine may Provide Lifelong Protection Against Infectious Diseases
Lymphocyte T CD8+ cells of the immune system eliminates the virus-infected cells and retains memories of virus strains they encounter.
Lymphocyte T CD8+ cells of the immune system eliminates the virus-infected cells and retains memories of virus strains they encounter.
The research was published in Science Immunology.
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Soon, New Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Effective for Kids Under Two, Adults Over 49
Flu vaccines are less effective in people as they age and those over the age of 60 are more likely to get the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications.
Flu vaccines are less effective in people as they age and those over the age of 60 are more likely to get the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications.
