Laboratory scientists find 1976 vaccine works against swine flu

Laboratory scientists have discovered a link between those who received a swine flu vaccine more than 30 years ago and resistance to the 21st century version of the pandemic.

St Jude Children's Research Hospital staff members found people who were given a H1N1 shot in 1976 benefited from a lingering protection against the virus.

"Our research shows that while immunity among those vaccinated in 1976 has waned somewhat, they mounted a much stronger immune response against the current pandemic H1N1 strain," said associate member of the institution's infectious diseases department Jonathan McCullers.

According to the results, 90 per cent of volunteers who had received the older treatment produced antibodies that were able to identify proteins on more recent variants of swine flu.

Last month, GlaxoSmithKline issued a vaccine update regarding swine flu, noting it is currently working hard with governments around the world to meet the ever-changing needs of populations affected by the virus.