The universal flu vaccine is still in the development stages but if successful, it could mean the end of yearly flu shots.
Currently, flu vaccines are changed every year using three different strains of influenza that scientists believe are most likely to cause illness for the following flu season. Flu viruses mutate frequently so the flu vaccine has to change as well.
However, researchers have been studying ways to target a different section of the influenza virus that doesn't typically change so that yearly doses of the flu vaccine won't be necessary. Testing has been successful in animal studies but it remains to be seen whether it will work in humans and what kind of side effects will occur.
If the universal flu vaccine becomes a reality, it would be much like other vaccines. Initial doses would be given during childhood, with occasional booster doses needed during adulthood.
Source:
"NIH Scientists Advance Universal Flu Vaccine." NIH News 15 Jul 10. National Institutes of Health. 05 Aug 10.
