Combination Vaccine Against Flu and COVID-19 on the Way

On June 10, mRNA vaccine developer Moderna released positive late-stage trial results for its combination vaccine against influenza and COVID-19. Adults in the trial who received mRNA-1083, Moderna’s combination vaccine against flu and COVID-19, reported an improved immune response compared with those who got the standalone flu and COVID-19 vaccines currently available, CNN reported. The results were true even for adults in the trial who were 50 years and older, a generation that typically does not mount as robust a response to vaccines as younger people do, Reuters said.

“Combination vaccines have the potential to reduce the burden of respiratory viruses on health systems and pharmacies, as well as offer people more convenient vaccination options that could improve compliance and provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses,” said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna CEO.

While other companies have been testing combination vaccines, Moderna is the first to announce positive late-stage trials, CNN reported. Moderna aims to debut the combination vaccine for the fall of 2025 or 2026, Reuters said.

For this upcoming respiratory virus season, in March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended vaccine makers target three flu strains, called H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria, when developing their seasonal flu vaccines, Reuters reported.