Scientists make breakthrough in developing universal flu vaccine

A team of researchers took a substantial step toward developing a universal vaccine against different subtypes of influenza as animal trials showed promising results, according to the paper published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine.

Variation in viruses means that seasonal influenza vaccines need to be continually updated to protect against circulating strains of the infection. Seasonal vaccines also do not protect against unrelated subtypes that infect animals such as birds and pigs and can be transmitted to humans.