Nasal spray vaccine protects against bird flu in mice

Novel H5N1 vaccine confers robust protection regardless of prior seasonal flu immunity

WashU Medicine researchers showed that an experimental bird flu vaccine provides strong protection in mice, even in animals previously vaccinated against seasonal flu. Delivered as a nasal spray, the vaccine guards the nose and upper airways better than a traditional shot, and it can be manufactured without eggs, making it more practical to scale up during an outbreak. (Credit: Getty Images)

WashU Medicine researchers led by Jacco Boon, PhD, a professor in the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, report that an experimental bird flu vaccine provides strong immune protection in mice, including in animals previously vaccinated against seasonal flu. Because pre-existing immunity from prior seasonal influenza infection or vaccination could diminish the efficacy of H5N1 vaccines, showing that the new vaccine succeeds alongside existing immunity is a crucial milestone.