The Conversation Weekly The 40 scientists who decide which flu shot you'll get
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Nov 27, 2025 Ian Barr, a leading virologist and Deputy Director at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, reveals the intricate process behind flu vaccine strain selection. He shares insights on how 40 scientists meet biannually to decide which strains to target, the role of hemispheric interactions in flu patterns, and how emerging variants complicate decisions. Barr also discusses the future of vaccines, including advancements in mRNA technology, and addresses the rise of vaccine hesitancy post-COVID.
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Lab Tour Shows How Viruses Are Grown
- Ian Barr walked Gemma Ware through the lab, showing minus-80 freezers and cell culture facilities used to grow and analyse influenza samples.
- He explained viruses are cultured in mammalian cells for three to five days to amplify material for further testing.
Sequencing Detects Subtle Viral Changes
- Genetic sequencing reveals subtle differences and emerging variants by identifying key amino acid changes.
- Ian Barr emphasised sequencing helps detect new variants that may affect vaccine choices.
Post-PCR Room For Reverse Engineering
- Ian Barr showed the post-PCR room where his team can synthetically produce viruses to study specific changes.
- He noted reverse-engineered viruses are made in biosafety cabinets when further investigation is required.