Flu: Moderna wants to launch vaccine to fight two diseases at once

Moderna: Teenage vaccine trials 'successful' says Dr Hilary

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The original flu, also known as influenza, vaccine was developed in the 1940s by American scientists and first administered during the Second World War.

On this occasion, they used viral growth from hen’s eggs to develop the vaccine.

Over time technology developed and scientists moved away from the technology towards a vaccine that did not rely on egg proteins.

In 2012, a flu vaccine made from cell cultures was developed and later on vaccines made from recombinant proteins were created too.

Today the flu vaccine is given to people every winter as a booster before the cold weather arrives.

The NHS recommends that people should get the flu vaccine if they:
• Are over 50
• Have certain health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Are in long-stay residential care
• Receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if the carer becomes ill
• Live with someone who is more likely to get ill
• Frontline health or social care workers

As the country approached the winter in 2021, there was more emphasis placed on getting the vaccine as the nation had been in a form of lockdown last winter.

This meant there was less social mixing and therefore less immunity from the cold and flu viruses.

Flu vaccines are normally available at GP surgeries, pharmacies, midwifery services (though only for pregnant women) or via a hospital appointment.

It is possible to book the vaccine at a GP surgery or through a pharmacy that offers it.

When it comes to vaccines, it hasn’t been all plain sailing since they were invented.

Since they were first developed, there have been people who are against vaccines.

Some are against it because they believe they don’t need it.

Some are against it because they don’t agree with the science.

Meanwhile some are against it because they believe the vaccine is part of a conspiracy theory.

Conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and the vaccine have spread almost as fast as the virus itself.

Meanwhile, the vaccine programme continues apace.

In recent days 16 and 17 year olds have been invited to book their booster dose.

Source: Read Full Article