influenza vaccines
Vaccines are an important tool for protecting people from infectious diseases such as influenza. However, traditional seasonal influenza vaccines can be less effective against newly emerging strains, such as the BQ.1.1, BF.7, and XBB.1 strains. To address this issue, researchers have developed a new approach to increase the effectiveness of influenza vaccines. This approach involves using a heterologous inactivated virus or mRNA booster inoculation to augment the immunity to the BQ.1.1, BF.7, and XBB.1 influenza vaccines.
A heterologous inactivated virus or mRNA booster inoculation is administered in addition to the primary vaccine, with the intention to boost the antibody production and thus increase the protective efficacy of the primary vaccine. In the study, researchers tested the efficacy of the BQ.1.1, BF.7, and XBB.1 influenza vaccines in combination with the heterologous inactivated virus or mRNA booster inoculation. The results showed that the booster inoculation significantly increased the antibody production in those who received the combination vaccine compared to those who received the influenza vaccine alone.
The heterologous inactivated virus or mRNA booster inoculation is a viable approach for augmenting the immune response to the BQ.1.1, BF.7, and XBB.1 influenza vaccines. This approach is especially useful for those who are at a higher risk of severe influenza infection or who are unable to respond adequately to the current vaccines. This approach could also lead to the development of more effective vaccines against newly emerging strains of influenza in the future.