We’ve never seen a flu vaccine like this one — and it’s potentially horrifying

It reads like The Fly or a Michael Crichton premise…

Scientists desperate to cure the common flu genetically engineer insect cells and inject them into unsuspecting humans.

If only it were…

This, my friend, is pure NON-fiction.

Earlier this year, the FDA approved a new flu vaccine, Flublok. And there has NEVER been anything like it (which was a good thing).

You see, Flublok contains a flu virus protein. The virus uses this protein to enter cells in your body. Then (the theory goes) your immune system ramps up and (supposedly) protects you from the flu.

And this is where the sci-fi panic comes in.

Scientists did actually genetically modify insect cells to produce the Flublok protein.

So…who’s first? Roll up your sleeves…

Of course, like any new vaccine, researchers have not tested Flublok in a large population over an extended period. And this coming flu season will be Flublok’s first full season of use.

So I imagine FDA officials have their fingers crossed, hoping this doesn’t turn into a public health nightmare.

Or a blockbuster movie.

Sources:
“Comparing Flublok with Conventional Flu Vaccine — Worth the Risk?” Clara Auty, M.D., Yahoo, 1/27/13, voices.yahoo.com