Five-year flu jab step closer

Every autumn, Kiwis across the country line up for a jab in the arm.

They are trying to fend off the watery eyes, sore throats, aches, fevers and chills associated with the dreaded flu, by getting the vaccine that should protect them through to the next year.

However, scientists tucked away in Wellington are now a step closer to finding a universal flu vaccine that could last up to five years.

Scientist and policy adviser Dr George Slim, 58, was one of more than 2000 Wellingtonians chosen at random to test the vaccine this year in a study run by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

‘‘I’m really interested in this and I’ve been following ESR’s work since the 2009 swine flu pandemic,’’ he said.

‘‘What they do is really vital and the current study is a worldleading piece of research.’’

Lower Hutt mum-of-four Rochelle Maroon, another study participant, said her doctor asked her if she’d like to take part.

‘‘I thought it would be a good way to make a difference: To help determine if vaccines were working and make them better for everyone,’’ she said.

Maroon and her fellow guinea pigs were vaccinated in April and then surveyed weekly. Those with a cough and fever had a nose or throat swab taken to test for viruses that cause the flu or other respiratory infections.

As of mid-October, 61 flu cases – Maroon among them – were identified amongst study participants.

ESR spokesperson Jerome Cvitanovich said researchers hoped the results of the Southern Hemisphere Influenza and Vaccine Effectiveness Research and Surveillance (Shivers-II) study would make a difference to the way influenza is managed in the future.

The study is being funded by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases – and Cvitanovich said its findings would have a global impact.

In New Zealand, 400 people die each year from influenza or complications relating to it.

Epidemiologist Claire Newbern said the study would help the medical world think about ways to create a more efficient flu vaccine.

‘‘We know that the flu vaccine is not wonderful. It has about a 50 per cent chance of helping someone not get the flu when they get the vaccine.’’