Moderna’s combo flu and COVID vaccine provided a strong immune response in older adults, with levels comparable to getting the flu and COVID shots separately, according to the company’s results from a late-stage clinical trial.
There are still multiple steps required before the shot would become available. Moderna would need to apply to the FDA for approval, which may require input from the FDA’s independent panel of experts. If authorized or approved, the shot would also need to be greenlit by the CDC before becoming available.
The clinical trial was done in 8,000 adults. Half of those adults were 65 years and older and the other half were between the ages of 50 and 64. Older adults are especially at risk for severe illness from respiratory illnesses including hospitalization and death. The combo vaccine was compared to already approved and available flu and COVID vaccines.
The Moderna Inc. headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (PHOTO: Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Everyone over the age of 6 months was recommended to get a flu shot and updated COVID shot last season. The CDC is expected to make new recommendations again this fall for both the flu and COVID vaccine. While both the COVID and flu vaccine can be given separately during the same visit, a combination shot may be preferred for some patients.
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The most commonly reported side effects of Moderna’s combo shot were injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain and headache.
Moderna, a leading pharmaceutical company, has been making headlines recently with its groundbreaking combination COVID and flu shot. In the final stages of clinical trials, the vaccine has shown promising results in providing robust immunity in older adults, a population that is particularly vulnerable to both COVID-19 and the flu.
The idea of combining vaccines for different diseases is not new, but it has gained renewed interest in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining the COVID-19 and flu vaccines into a single shot, Moderna aims to simplify the vaccination process and provide added protection against both viruses.
In the final trial stages, Moderna’s combination vaccine has demonstrated strong immune responses in older adults. This is particularly important as older adults are at higher risk of severe illness and death from both COVID-19 and the flu. By providing robust immunity in this population, the vaccine has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of these diseases on healthcare systems and improve outcomes for older adults.
The success of Moderna’s combination vaccine is also a testament to the power of mRNA technology. This innovative approach to vaccine development has allowed researchers to rapidly develop and test new vaccines, leading to the development of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines in record time. The combination vaccine is just one example of how mRNA technology can be used to address multiple health challenges simultaneously.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the annual threat of the flu, vaccines like Moderna’s combination shot offer hope for a brighter future. By providing robust immunity in older adults and simplifying the vaccination process, this vaccine has the potential to make a significant impact on public health.
In conclusion, Moderna’s combination COVID and flu shot represents a major breakthrough in vaccine development. With its ability to provide robust immunity in older adults and simplify the vaccination process, this vaccine has the potential to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations and reduce the burden of disease on healthcare systems. As the final trial stages progress, we can look forward to the widespread availability of this innovative vaccine and the positive impact it will have on global health.
