As flu season approaches, Tekton Research is conducting vital studies to enhance vaccine development and is seeking volunteers aged 50 and older to participate. These trials are essential for developing improved protections against the flu, which claims thousands of lives each year.
Why This Research Matters
“Flu kills thousands of people of all ages every year, and while current vaccines are important, they can be significantly improved,” says Dr. Codey Bell, Principal Investigator at Tekton Research in Beaumont. “It’s crucial that we conduct this research to develop better vaccines that can protect our community more effectively.”
Recent advancements in vaccine technology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have paved the way for innovative approaches to vaccine development. One of the most promising advancements is messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which is transforming how we understand and create vaccines.
Dr. Codey Bell
“In the past, we had to rely on pieces of live or dead viruses to create vaccines,” Dr. Bell explains.“But now, with mRNA technology, we can send messaging or coding directly to your cells, triggering a more robust immune response. This breakthrough, which emerged from the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, is now being applied to enhance flu vaccines as well.”
Understanding Flu Strains
Every flu season typically targets two main strains of the virus: the A strain and the B strain.
“The A strain is much more common at the start of the season, while the B strain tends to become more prevalent later on,” notes Dr. Bell. “These strains include notable historical viruses, such as those from the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 outbreak.”
The new vaccines utilizing mRNA technology are designed to target both strains more effectively. This innovative approach will be key to developing flu vaccines that are not only more efficient but also longer-lasting.
“It’s a common misconception that you can get the flu from a flu vaccine,” Dr. Bell clarifies. “That’s simply not true. You cannot get the flu from receiving a flu shot. In fact, the flu vaccine doesn’t contain any part of the virus itself. Older vaccines were based on virus receptors, but the new mRNA technology contains no virus at all. It’s a man-made code that instructs your body on how to recognize and combat the virus.”
Contribute to a better tomorrow
This research is crucial, and we need volunteers to make it happen!
“We want to thank all of our subjects who have participated in our studies,” says Dr. Bell. “There’s still so much more to do, and we have more studies and exciting developments on the horizon.”
Qualified participants may be compensated for their time and travel. To learn more, visit https://tektonresearch.flywheelstaging.com/healthy-adult-studies/
Help us make a difference this flu season and contribute to the development of better vaccines for everyone.
