New Vaccine Might Be One Utahns Actually Want To Get

Vaccine Could Limit Acne

There were days in growing up in the 7th grade I wanted to stick my head in a sock to go to school. I would wake up with a cinder cone on my forehead ready to spew lava. Acne was the bane of my existence, and I would have taken anything to be rid of it. 

Now the scientists at UC San Diego may have a cure and it will come in a vaccine. I know that may not be the most popular word in Utah these days, but if it could reduce the trauma of a face full of acne, as a junior high kid who hated shots, I would say, “sign me up.” 

Apparently, acne is caused by a bacteria. From UC San Diego Today: 

More than a decade in the making, this research began with an attempt to answer a longstanding question regarding a type of acne-associated bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which is plentiful on everyone’s skin.

Everyone has the bacteria, but a certain version has been identified as the problem. By focusing on the type that causes the inflammation, they can reduce acne overall. It may not do anything for my junior high trauma, but at least it can help future youth. 

So, how soon could this be available? There is still work to be done and a vaccine is still five to ten years out. They might want to put more researchers on the case.

This is the purpose of science. You may have your high-sounding causes, but anyone who remembers what it was like to look with dread into a mirror, knows this is one of science’s greatest breakthroughs.