Moderna has announced positive results from a late-stage clinical trial for its combination vaccine that targets both Covid-19 and the flu. This combination shot was found to be more effective than existing standalone shots for both viruses. With this development, Moderna has taken the lead in the race for a Covid and flu combination shot, ahead of rival vaccine makers Pfizer and Novavax. The company is planning to seek regulatory approval for its combination jab in the U.S. this summer and hopes to make it available to the public by 2025.
Combination vaccines for respiratory viruses like Covid and the flu are seen as a convenient option for simplifying the vaccination process for individuals. This is especially important as vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge among some segments of the population. Moderna believes that combination shots could also help reduce the burden on pharmacists and the healthcare system, which has been under strain due to labor shortages. The company’s mRNA-1083 shot combines its experimental seasonal influenza vaccine with a newer version of its Covid shot, both of which have shown positive results in separate phase three trials.
The late-stage trial for Moderna’s combination vaccine involved 8,000 patients and compared the shot with other vaccines targeting influenza and Covid. In both age groups tested, the combination vaccine produced statistically higher immune responses against three strains of influenza and the omicron variant of Covid. The safety profile of the combination shot was deemed acceptable, with common side effects including mild to moderate symptoms like injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache. Moderna is also working on developing combination vaccines targeting the flu and RSV, as well as a triple vaccine for Covid, flu, and RSV.
In addition to Moderna, other pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Novavax are also exploring combination vaccines for Covid and flu. Pfizer and BioNTech are conducting a late-stage trial for a combination vaccine targeting both viruses, while Novavax is developing a combination shot using protein-based technology for Covid and the flu. The development of combination vaccines for respiratory viruses is seen as a promising approach to providing broader protection against seasonal illnesses and simplifying the vaccination process for individuals.
The potential availability of a combination vaccine for Covid and the flu could mark a significant advancement in the fight against respiratory viruses, particularly as healthcare systems continue to face challenges from the ongoing pandemic. By combining vaccines for multiple viruses into a single shot, individuals may find it easier to protect themselves against seasonal illnesses and help reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system. If regulatory approval is granted, Moderna’s combination shot could be a valuable tool for public health efforts in the coming years.
