Toward a world without flu: universal vaccines gain ground

The current flu season is unusually harsh with high illness and hospitalization numbers and low vaccination rates, but researchers are pursuing a set of universal flu vaccine approaches (targeting the HA stem, mosaic nanoparticle displays, and neuraminidase/T-cell–based strategies) plus longer-lasting preventives. If these efforts succeed and are paired with faster vaccine updates, the world could see dramatically reduced infections and severe illnesses in future winters, though funding and public acceptance remain challenges.