By 
Melvin Sanicas
 | 
TED-Ed Original

Why do you need to get a flu shot every year?

All year long researchers at hospitals around the world collect samples from flu patients and send them to top virology experts with one goal: to design the vaccine for the next flu season. But why do we need a new one every year? Vaccines for diseases like mumps and rubella offer a lifetime of protection with two shots early in life; what's so special about the flu? Melvin Sanicas explains.

Related tags:

TED is supported by ads and partners

Watch next