Opposing Digits

(AP) BALTIMORE University of Maryland researchers will begin testing a bird flu vaccine combined with a common additive later this month to see if it will prompt an immune response with a single smaller dose.

"it's an immune enhancer that can help the immune system to respond better," Dr. James Campbell, a principal investigator in the studytells WJZ's Alex DeMetrick. "It may help us give fewer doses or lower doses and get the same response."

Previous tests have found the vaccine is safe, but requires at least two large doses to prompt a moderate immune response, Campbell said .

The researchers hope the addition of aluminum hydroxide, which is currently added to the tetanus vaccine and others, will improve the immune response enough that one smaller dose will be needed, Campbell said.

# posted by madthumbs @ 8:09 AM