Can a lab-made flu vaccine outperform the traditional egg-based shot?

NCT ID NCT05514002

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a recombinant flu vaccine (made in insect cells) works better than the standard egg-based flu shot at preventing flu illness in adults aged 18 to 64. About 4,000 college students and frontline workers will receive either vaccine and be monitored during flu season. The study aims to see which vaccine reduces flu infections more and helps people recover faster if they do get sick.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: recombinant influenza vaccine (Flublok Quadrivalent) compared to standard-dose egg-based inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone Quadrivalent)
What this could lead to: If the recombinant vaccine proves superior, it could offer better protection against flu for working-age adults.
What could go wrong: This is a single-season trial, and results may not apply to all flu strains or older adults. Both vaccines are already licensed, so the difference may be small.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

influenza prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INFLUENZA, HUMAN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Florida A&M University

Tallahassee, Florida, 32307, United States
University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, 85724, United States
University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119, United States

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