Making Influenza History: The Quest for a Universal Vaccine

Currently, there is no greater threat to global health, security, and the economy than the emergence of a highly transmissible influenza virus that could spark the next global pandemic. Yet we have become complacent to the threat of influenza. The annual event referred to by the media as “the cold and flu season“ has created the notion that influenza is unavoidable. New treatments and improved diagnostics will enhance our management of influenza. Above all, we need a better vaccine to prevent the annual toll--and a vaccine that will be available before the next pandemic strikes. Philanthropists, governments, and the private sector have joined forces to invest in breakthrough science and catalyze a global response to the inevitable next flu pandemic. But are we organized to take full advantage of today’s science and technology to find an effective universal influenza vaccine? Moderator Michael Specter Staff Writer, The New Yorker Speakers Rick Bright Director, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, US Department of Health and Human Services Anthony Fauci Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Bruce Gellin President, Global Immunization, Sabin Vaccine Institute Margaret Hamburg Foreign Secretary, National Academy of Medicine; Former Commissioner, US Food and Drug Administration Casey Wright CEO, Flu Lab #Fluseason #Flu #Influenza