Researchers at the University of Hong Kong said on Thursday they have discovered two methods which can help develop a two-in-one vaccine that protects against both human influenza and bird flu.

The university’s faculty of medicine, together with the Centre for Immunology and Infection, said the two methods, which can induce enhanced immune responses, have the potential to help in the development of live-attenuated influenza vaccines.

Professor Leo Poon, the chair of public health virology, said current seasonal influenza jabs are unable to protect people against avian flu.

“Right now, our study is showing that with only one vaccination, it can protect against H1, H3, both seasonal, and then we also have data to show that it can protect against animal H5 and H7,” he said.

“It's more broadly reactive so that we can reduce or mitigate the risks of having more people die because of animal virus infections.”

Poon said researchers are conducting tests on animals and hopes a two-in-one vaccine can be developed for humans.

He said the injection is expected to be a needle-free vaccine.