Scientists test universal vaccine for cold, flu, Covid and allergies
South China Morning Post
by dpaFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have made a groundbreaking advancement toward developing a universal vaccine that could protect against colds, flu, COVID-19, and allergies. Researchers at Stanford Medicine in the US have created a nasal spray vaccine designed to target a wide range of respiratory viruses, bacteria, and allergy triggers. Although the study was conducted on mice and published in the journal *Science*, the results are promising: vaccinated mice showed broad protection against various pathogens, including COVID-19, other coronaviruses, Staph infections, Acinetobacter baumannii, and even house dust mites—common allergens. If successful in human trials, this vaccine could potentially replace multiple annual injections for winter respiratory illnesses and offer protection against emerging pandemic threats.
The nasal spray vaccine works by targeting the lungs, where most respiratory infections occur. Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific pathogens, this innovative approach aims to trigger a broad immune response. In mouse studies, the vaccine provided long-lasting protection in the lungs, suggesting it could be effective for several months. This universal approach could revolutionize how we combat respiratory diseases, reducing the need for frequent booster shots and addressing multiple health threats with a single intervention.
Experts involved in the study highlight the potential global impact of this vaccine. Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, called the research "a new concept for vaccination," emphasizing its significance if confirmed in human studies. Lead researcher Bali Pulendran, director of the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection at Stanford Medicine, explained that the vaccine targets diverse respiratory threats, offering a potential solution to the burden of winter infections and emerging pandemics.
The development of this universal vaccine is particularly significant for regions like Asia, where respiratory illnesses and allergies are prevalent. If proven effective in humans, it could reduce the annual toll of colds, flu, and COVID-19 while addressing antibiotic resistance and allergic diseases. This breakthrough not only promises to simplify vaccination schedules but also offers hope for tackling new pandemic threats that may emerge in the future. For readers interested in global health, this innovation represents a major step toward more effective and efficient disease prevention.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/19/2026