Norovirus Vaccine Pill Offers Protection Against Winter Vomiting Bug

Swift Summary

• A trial tested an oral vaccine against the highly contagious norovirus, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
• The trial included 141 participants aged 18-49, half of whom received the vaccine and others a placebo.
• All participants were intentionally exposed to high doses of the GI.1 strain of norovirus while in quarantine.
• Results showed 82% of placebo recipients were infected compared to only 57% among vaccinated individuals-showing a ~25 percentage point reduction in risk.
• Vaccinated individuals also shed significantly less virus in stool/vomit, suggesting potential for reduced viral spread beyond individual protection.
• The vaccine boosts levels of protective IgA antibodies associated with inhibiting norovirus infection but requires more research regarding lasting effectiveness and protection for vulnerable groups like children and older adults.
• Researchers are developing broader vaccines to target both GI and GII strains; rollout could happen within two to three years.

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