A new flu vaccine could spell the end of yearly jabs

Could it really be one and done?

Researchers are trialling a new “universal” influenza vaccine named OVX836 that provides broader protection for longer. Image: Unsplash

Researchers are trialling a new flu vaccine that could see you skip your annual jab 

Flu season is upon us, and it’s expected to be one of our worst ones yet. Not to mention the fifth wave of Covid we're set to move through any day now. And then there’s the dreaded respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), making it a 'viral triple threat'.

But in some good news, researchers are trialling a new “universal” influenza vaccine named OVX836 that provides broader protection for longer – so much longer that it could even be a one-and-done type situation. 

Like what you see? Sign up to our bodyandsoul.com.au newsletter for more stories like this.

Mater's director of infectious diseases, Paul Griffin tells AAP the OVX836 vaccine is durable and could be a “game-changer”.

“Some structures of the influenza virus are more stable...OVX836 is designed to target the internal nucleoprotein - a highly conserved antigen - that is more conservative and far less susceptible to mutations,” he explained.

“If this trial proves to be successful, it could be a real game-changer - the vaccine won’t need to be updated every year, which means we won’t need an annual flu vaccination.

“It could dramatically improve vaccine uptake.”

So far this year, there’s already been more than 40,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases, and worst of all, there have been 44 deaths.

“We’ve had a big start to the annual flu season, and continue to battle vaccine fatigue and complacency,” Dr Griffin said.

So far this year, there’s already been more than 40,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases, and worst of all, there’s been 44 deaths. Image: iStock

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has said that while the rates of the flu have had a low average over the past few years due to mask-wearing, social distancing and lockdowns throughout the pandemic, 2022 saw numbers surge dramatically, and 2023 is predicted to be even higher.

At least 300 Australians died last year as a result of the flu, with more than 250,000 cases recorded over the winter and spring months. Now, there are abnormally high cases ravaging the northern hemisphere, and local experts are concerned for Aussies.

Australian National University infectious disease physician, Dr Nick Coatsworth, said that while the nation’s healthcare system is prepared for an early flu season, accessibility will be a primary concern.

“There is a triple threat this year, with the combination of flu, Covid-19, and RSV, and the urgency for early protection is real,” Dr Coatsworth told news.com.au.

“As GPs and hospitals across the country stretch their capacity to record levels, the demand is only going to worsen if we all get sick.”

Here's hoping the OVX836 trials are successful. Until then, visit your GP or local pharmacy to look at your options for flu protection this season.

Originally published as A new flu vaccine could spell the end of yearly jabs