Universal Vaccine Quest: The Future of Flu and Covid-19 Shots

The US Department of Health and Human Services has a bold plan. They want to create a universal flu vaccine within four years. This vaccine would protect against multiple virus strains, including the scary H5N1 avian influenza. It's a big deal because the last time something like this was attempted was 45 years ago. The project, called Generation Gold Standard, is all about updating old vaccine technology. It's like giving a classic car a modern engine. The goal is to get FDA approval by 2029, with trials starting next year. The project is funded with $500 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Flu viruses are tricky. They change a lot, which is why we need new flu shots every year. The same goes for Covid-19 vaccines. They've been updated since they were first used in late 2020. Now, the plan is to develop universal coronavirus vaccines that protect against SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV. The technology used in this initiative is old but reliable. It uses whole viruses that have been chemically altered so they can't infect people. This method has been around for a while and is known for creating strong, long-lasting immunity. However, it can also cause unwanted side effects. Experts have mixed feelings about this project. Some think it's a great idea, while others are skeptical. They wonder if this old technology is the best way to go. After all, science has moved on to safer options. But the advantage of using whole viruses is that they help the body develop antibodies to many parts of a virus, which can lead to better protection. The US used to use whole-virus flu vaccines but switched to safer options. Other countries still use them, and they work, but they can be too strong and cause problems. The 1976 swine flu vaccine is a good example. It caused high rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune disorder that attacks the body's own nerves and muscles. Just before announcing this new vaccine plan, the Department of Health and Human Services threw a curveball. They said all new vaccines will need to undergo safety testing in placebo-controlled trials before they can be licensed. This is a big change from past practices and could delay the availability of updated Covid-19 vaccines. Experts are worried about this change. They say it could put vulnerable people at risk. The advantage of updating vaccines every year is that they provide better protection against mild to moderate disease, especially for older adults. But if these new rules delay the vaccines, people might not get the protection they need. The future of Covid-19 vaccines is uncertain. The FDA missed a deadline to decide on the Novavax vaccine, and now there are questions about whether a trial will be required before approval. Moderna, one of the companies making Covid-19 vaccines, is expecting FDA decisions on new vaccines soon. But they've also said they're going to focus more on cancer therapies and less on a combination flu and Covid-19 vaccine. Changing standards could delay shots. If the FDA requires placebo-controlled trials before approving updated seasonal Covid-19 vaccines, it will signal a new standard. Experts are pushing back on the idea that current vaccine safety systems are insufficient. They say the plan to build a different surveillance system conflicts with a pledge made by the HHS Secretary.