The US government is launching a programme to modernize the development of flu vaccines. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 19 September directing the Department of Health and Human Services to come up with a plan and budget for the effort within 120 days.
The goal is to improve the country’s ability to prepare for a potential future outbreak of pandemic flu, and to develop better vaccines to protect against seasonal outbreaks.
The programme will support research to develop a universal flu vaccine, to replace the seasonal vaccine developed each year.