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Will an mRNA vaccine target the norovirus strain behind surging cases?

A new type of norovirus is causing a very high number of cases in countries like England, just as a large trial of an mRNA vaccine is starting up

By Michael Le Page

20 December 2024

Transmission electron micrograph of parts of the norovirus pathogen

BSIP SA/Alamy

A global international trial of an mRNA vaccine against norovirus is getting underway with the aim of reducing the health burden caused by the infamous “winter vomiting” bug. The trial has been complicated by the emergence of a new norovirus strain that is causing soaring numbers of cases in parts of the world, including England.

“Unfortunately, one of the strains which is most prevalent isn’t in that jab,” says Patrick Moore at the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research, who is leading the UK branch of the trial. “The high cases are probably…

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