Due to the high propensity of the influenza virus for mutations, the composition of seasonal influenza vaccines needs to be updated and new vaccines have to be formulated, produced and administered annually, or even more frequently in case of pandemics, "explained Paula Alves to Expresso.

"The development of a universal vaccine capable of inducing an immune response against different strains of the influenza virus has become a top priority worldwide," points out Paula Alves. The goal is to more effectively protect not only the most vulnerable - children, the elderly and people with chronic disease - but the whole population "against seasonal flu which affects us every year, especially in winter, and that can offer protection against potential pandemics."