Single Vaccine Could Offer Broad Protection Against Respiratory Illnesses
A single vaccine, delivered via nasal spray, may provide protection against all types of coughs, colds, influenza, and even bacterial pneumonia, according to modern research from Stanford University. The vaccine could also potentially alleviate allergy symptoms.
Researchers conducted tests on animals using what they’ve described as a “universal vaccine,” and are now planning clinical trials on humans. The study, published in the journal Science, suggests a “radical shift” in vaccine design, moving away from the traditional approach of targeting a single infection.
Current vaccines train the body to fight off a specific infection – a measles vaccine protects against measles, and a chickenpox vaccine protects against chickenpox. This approach has been the standard for vaccine programs since the late 18th century, when Edward Jenner pioneered vaccine development.
Still, the new approach doesn’t directly train the immune system. Instead, it mimics how immune cells communicate with each other. Experts in the field have described the study as “extremely exciting,” despite being in its early stages, and believe it could represent a “major step forward.”
According to researchers, a universal vaccine could be particularly valuable in the early stages of a pandemic – as seen in early 2020 with COVID-19 – providing crucial time while a more specialized vaccine is developed. This research offers a promising avenue for future preventative medicine, potentially reducing the burden of common respiratory illnesses and improving public health outcomes.
