Notably, although new variants do threaten the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines, decades of experience updating influenza vaccines can inform our global response. Understanding the global spread of new variantsTo develop updated vaccines that best respond to new variants, we need to understand the spread of the variants around the world. Lessons from influenza surveillanceWe’ve encountered similar challenges in the development of influenza vaccines, which are updated annually to ensure they remain effective against new strains. The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, established in 1952, includes more than 140 laboratories across 114 countries. And finally, it will be easier and faster to modify new mRNA and vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccines than traditional influenza vaccines.

Source: News 24 March 26, 2021 04:07 UTC