Researchers at the Mater have started a trial of a new flu vaccine that had the potential to provide “greater and more durable” protection against the virus that killed more than 300 people in Australia last year. So far this year there has been 40,000 confirmed cases and 44 deaths.

Mater director of infectious diseases Dr Paul Griffin said the conventional flu vaccine had to be regularly modified as the flu virus mutated.

However, a trial of a new vaccine, known as OVX836, would target the parts of the virus that were less susceptible to mutations which may lead to longer protection.

“We have had a big start to the annual flu season and continue to battle vaccine fatigue and complacency,” Griffin said.

“If this trial proves to be successful, it could be a real game changer. The vaccine won’t need to be updated every year, which means we won’t need an annual flu vaccination.

“It could dramatically improve vaccine uptake.”

About 600 people would take part in the trial across nine locations, including 180 at Mater Hospital Brisbane.

Volunteers aged between 18 and 60 who have not yet had this year’s flu shot have been invited to take part in the trial.