Advancements in Universal Flu Vaccine Trials Amid Rising COVID and Flu Cases

As cases of respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19, continue to rise in several states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending an RSV vaccine for adults over 60 and pregnant women. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Clinic is preparing for human trials of a universal flu vaccine that would protect against all strains of the virus, with trials expected to begin in 2024 and 2025. The CDC is also monitoring a rising COVID subvariant called JN.1, which currently accounts for over 20% of cases nationwide, but there is no evidence suggesting it is more severe or that existing tests, vaccines, and treatments would be ineffective.