FASTER, PLEASE: Why The Flu Is So Relentless And How Technology Might Help.

In November, the FDA approved a new vaccine from Novartis, which is produced in cultured dog kidney cells. And earlier this month, the agency approved a vaccine made by ProteinsSciences in cultured insect cells. The methods “offer the potential for faster start-up of the manufacturing process than traditional egg-based vaccine methods,” says a spokesperson for the FDA. Additionally, they may help people with egg allergies safely get flu vaccines.

Public and private researchers are also working to develop so-called universal flu vaccines that would preclude the need to get a new vaccine every year.

Like I said. . . .