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Yan Zhou

Flu funding

Influenza research at the University of Saskatchewan will receive a nearly $1 million boost from the federal government through the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

The $997,000 in funding was announced May 1 at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization–International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), a world-leading centre in vaccine research and development at the U of S.

VIDO-InterVac CEO and Director Andrew Potter explained the funds will back "important new influenza research that will directly contribute to better public health in Canada."

The research will be led by influenza and vaccine development expert Yan Zhou.

Influenza is a serious public health problem, causing sickness in millions of people. In Canada alone, it is estimated that more than 12,000 people are hospitalized with the disease and about 3,500 die from it. Influenza viruses change continually, making it a serious challenge to develop effective vaccines.

"Broadening collaboration among academia, industry and government in the field of vaccine development and research is vital to effectively combat influenza," said U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad. "Today's investment will enhance collaborations and generate new research that will benefit all Canadians."

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