Get ready for 2-in-1 Covid and flu shots after new combined Moderna vaccine trial shows it’s better than single shots
Patients could soon be able to get two-in-one flu and Covid jabs after studies showed they were just as effective as single injections.
Moderna’s combined vaccine was found to induce a higher immune response than individual shots, according to new data from the company.
The NHS is currently using Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine alongside Pfizer/BioNTech’s Comirnaty for Covid-19 for its booster programmes.
But Moderna has created and tested a newer version of Spikevax, which contains a dose of flu vaccine.
Experts predict that these combination shots could lead to patients needing just one shot to protect against both diseases as early as 2025, while equivalents are being developed by competitors Pfizer and BioNTech.
Experts predict that these combination shots could result in patients needing only one shot to protect against both diseases as early as 2025.
Moderna’s findings showed that the mRNA-1083 vaccine met its targets and led to higher immune responses against flu and Covid than other single vaccines currently in use, including the current Spikevax.
It’s the first time a company has published final Phase 3 data for a combination vaccine.
The mRNA-1083 shot matched or exceeded current flu shots and was better than the existing Spikevax at the body making antibodies.
Scientists think this is likely because it was designed to combat more recent variants circulating around the world.
The randomized controlled trial involved two groups of around 4,000 people each, with the first group aged 65 and over testing the new jab compared to a flu vaccine, Fluzone, and the current Spikevax jab.
The second group consisted of adults aged 50 to 64 and used the flu shot Fluarix.
Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told the BBC he hoped the vaccine could be made widely available in 2026 – or perhaps 2025.
He said: ‘Combination vaccines have the potential to reduce the burden of respiratory viruses on healthcare systems and pharmacies, as well as provide people with more convenient vaccination options that can improve compliance and provide stronger protection against seasonal diseases.
“Moderna is the only company with a positive Phase 3 flu and Covid combination vaccine.
“Building on the momentum of positive Phase 3 data across our respiratory portfolio, we continue to address significant unmet medical needs and advance public health.”