Sing Le Jab Could Protect You From Flu . . . For Life But Extra Vitamins Might Not Be Doing You Any Good

SCIENTISTS are on the verge of a breakthrough which could see a single vaccine to prevent flu for life.

The revolutionary vaccine is being developed by British scientists – and it could mean the end of flu bug misery for millions.

Every year thousands of people – mainly elderly – die from flu and a new “wonder” vaccine could help save lives.

A single jab would offer permanent immunity against influenza and prevent the need to develop new vaccines every year for new strains of the virus.

Cambridge biotech firm Acambis also hopes its vaccine could protect people against global pandemics such as bird flu.

Some experts have warned the avian flu strain could cost millions of lives if the virus mutates into a form that can pass from one person to another.

Human trials of the universal vaccine could start soon.

Acambis says it would be quicker and easier to produce than current vaccines, which are produced in fertilised chicken eggs.

Annual jabs for the elderly and other vulnerable groups could be replaced by a lifetime inoculation.

Vaccines could also be stockpiled, allowing doctors to stop potential epidemics at early stages.

Dr Thomas Monath, chief scientific officer at Acambis, said:

“We aim to avoid the need for annual re-engineering and manufacture of the new product, something that is not yet possible with existing vaccines.

“The need to develop a new vaccine each time a different influenza strain emerges often results in long delays before a population can be protected.

“The technology is also important as a potential means of protecting humans against pandemic influenza strains.”

The new vaccine is being tested on animals but will have to prove its effectiveness in large-scale human trials over several years.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed the taking multivitamin and mineral supplements does not appear to prevent older people being struck down with infections.

It’s estimated that at least 10-per cent of older people have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, which can lead to poor immunity against illness and greater risk of infection.

Researchers, writing in the British Medical Journal, said at least 25-per cent of OAPs in the UK take nutritional supplements.

But evidence on whether they help to prevent infections remains unclear.

A team from Aberdeen University studied 910 men and women aged over 65 who did not previously take any vitamins and minerals.

They found that taking supplements did not seem to affect visits to the doctors, the length of infection or overall quality of life.

deborah. anderson@eveningtimes. co. uk