Ireland could be using a new 'variant-proof' Covid-19 vaccine by the autumn, according to Professor Luke O'Neill.
Professor O'Neill, who is a Professor of Biochemistry at Trinity College, was speaking this morning on Newstalk about how the US army is looking into a vaccine that could work against all variants.
The new vaccine has shown positive results on animals, with human trial data expected soon.
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The new vaccine has also shown to protect against SARS, the original virus, as well as SARS-CoV-2, Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron in monkeys.
Professor O'Neill said that this vaccine is the "most exciting" and could possibly be used here in Ireland if all goes well and that data on the new vaccine is expected soon.
He said: "We're waiting with bated breath - so that's definitely the one that's the most exciting, the universal COVID vaccine.
"But their animal data was really impressive - they've human data coming very soon."
According to Professor O'Neill, there are at least nine universal vaccines currently in development.
"But the US Army have got very interesting technology, they're using these nano-particles - very high tech."
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He added: "That could be the one that will become the vaccine we'll use here, for instance, in autumn maybe if all the trials work out."
It comes after a recent study found that catching Covid-19 can age your brain by 20 years and knock 10 points off your IQ.
The research was carried out by University of Cambridge and Imperial College London and also found that those admitted to hospital with Covid could suffer brain damage that lasts for more than six months.
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