11:23am UK, Thursday June 05, 2008

Hay fever sufferers could soon see an end to their misery, following the development of a new vaccine.

Scientists have created a series of jabs which they say will ease symptoms for life.

Jabs could relieve hay fever for life

One in four Britons suffers from hay fever, which is caused by an allergy to pollen, with symptoms ranging from runny noses to asthma attacks.

Many take antihistamine drugs or steriods to cope - but these can have side-effects.

Clinical trials show the new treatment, created by British scientists, reduces symptoms such as streaming eyes, itchy noses and sneezing.

It works by dampening a sufferer's usual response to grass pollen and encouraging a milder reaction, the New Scientist magazine reports.

The vaccine requires just four jabs over four weeks, compared to other therapies which can take months.

Allergy Therapeutics hopes to apply for approval to sell the vaccine next year.