Why There Needs to Be A Universal Flu Vaccine

Computer rendering of influenza virus.

As many as 650,000 people die around the world each year due to the seasonal influenza virus. That’s roughly as many people that would fit in 10 NFL football stadiums on game day.

It’s this shocking number that has inspired Vanderbilt University Medical Center adjunct faculty to join the Sabin-Aspen Vaccine Science & Policy Group effort to overcome barriers to developing a universal flu vaccine.

The group released a report July 25 that outlines recommendations to drive innovation and accelerate the development of a universal vaccine. The group was convened in 2018.

This group was co-founded by Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Policy, Bruce Gellin, MD, and its members include Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Policy, Kelly Moore, MD, MPH and Professor of Pediatrics Kathryn Edwards, MD.

The report delivers four primary findings and three “big ideas” to increase the attention and work toward a universal vaccine.

Read the full report here.