The two scientists who spearheaded the proposal — an 83-year-old shingles researcher and his counterpart, an HIV gene therapy expert — have garnered widespread support from leading blood and immunology specialists, including those at the center of the nation’s COVID-19 plasma research.

But the idea exists only on paper. Federal officials have twice rejected requests to discuss the proposal, and pharmaceutical companies — even acknowledging the likely efficacy of the plan — have declined to design or manufacture the shots, according to a Times investigation. LA Times medical reporter Emily Baumgaertner stopped by LA Times Today with the latest.

Watch Los Angeles Times Today at 7 and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday on Spectrum News 1.