University Develops Dual COVID-19, Influenza Vaccine

Researchers from Cornell University have developed a novel vaccine that provides long-term protection against both Covid-19 and Influenza, addressing issues related to storage and efficacy. This vaccine, based on the viscular stomatitis virus, demonstrated effective immune response in mice lasting up to eight months with no viral presence detected post-infection. Meanwhile, a CDC study highlighted the effectiveness of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron variant, showing significant reductions in emergency visits among older adults. However, concerns persist regarding potential side effects from COVID vaccines, as a Yale study revealed chronic symptoms in some individuals, leading to questions about the spike protein's prolonged presence post-vaccination. Despite these concerns, many experts, including Dr. Peter Gulick, emphasize the overall safety and importance of vaccines in managing the pandemic. The CDC reports that over 13.6 billion COVID vaccine doses have been administered globally, contributing to significant public health improvements.