Babies worldwide could have access to life-saving influenza vaccinations from just eight weeks of age thanks to researchers at Telethon Kids Institute and the generous support of the Telethon community.
The first step in the Institute’s bold influenza research program, the FluBub Study launched this week will pave the way for a greater ambition – to develop a single flu injection that would cover against all strains of the disease, for life.
Associate Professor Chris Blyth, Co-Director of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at Telethon Kids Institute, says data from this first study will play an essential role in helping to understand how the immune system responds to its first exposure to flu proteins, either through a vaccine or the infection.
“Young babies are the greatest risk of flu and its complications because the first exposure to the virus is often the most severe, striking when the immune system is still developing strength,” says A/Prof Blyth.
“While we know a flu vaccine in pregnancy passes protection from the mother to her newborn, this starts to wain from as early as two months of age, leaving babies at risk of flu and its complications when they are most vulnerable.
“The FluBub Study will investigate giving flu vaccine at two months of age instead of the current six months as per National Immunisation Program, allowing us to establish how immunological protection is generated and the potential advantages of early-life vaccination.
“From there, we will apply cutting-edge systems vaccinology approaches that will provide us with the key to truly unlock the secrets of flu immunity and inform future vaccine development,” says A/Prof Blyth.
The study is being guided by world-renowned vaccinology expert Professor Tobias Kollmann, who led the charge for Telethon Kids Institute to become the southern hemisphere’s only hub for the Human Vaccines Project – decoding the human immune system to enable people to live healthier, longer lives.
This ground-breaking research was made possible thanks to attendees at the 2019 Telethon Lexus Ball, who supported the Institute’s influenza research program after being inspired by the heart-breaking story shared by the DeLuis family.
Their two-year-old daughter Lucy sadly lost her life 12 months ago – just five days after being diagnosed with influenza – and her family are now dedicated to supporting research that will develop more effective weapons against the disease.
“This research is a critical step to ensure children like Lucy have greater protection against influenza, and ultimately provide us with the knowledge and capability to design stronger, longer-lasting vaccines,” says A/Prof Blyth.
“Unfortunately, as doctors, the devastating reality is there is only so much we can do to save the life of a child after life-threatening complications like pneumonia and inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues have taken over.
“Our best bet is to prevent influenza from happening in the first place, and this can only be achieved by finding a safe and effective way to provide long-term protection early in life,” says A/Prof Blyth.
Researchers are looking for 150 WA mums and their babies to take part in the FluBub Study, with mothers aged 25 to 35 years invited to participate.
Visit the FluBub Study page on the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Disease website for more information, or email flububstudy@telethonkids.org.au to register your interest.