Combined flu & Covid vaccine is more effective than separate single jabs, claims maker
A COMBINED flu and Covid vaccine is more effective than separate single injections, its maker says.
The findings raise hopes that the two-in-one jab will be approved by regulators for an NHS rollout this year.
Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine for Covid is used in NHS booster programmes.
But a newer version also includes a dose of flu protection.
Latest tests from Moderna showed the mRNA-1083 vaccine led to higher immune responses against both flu and Covid than when having two separate single jabs.
Fewer injections would be more convenient and simpler, making it more likely people would get vaccinated, the company says.
Moderna’s trial involved two groups of 4,000 people each, aged 50-plus.
The side-effects were mild — a sore arm and tiredness — as is typical with such jabs.
Chief executive Stephane Bancel said: “We are very delighted about the results.
“You get one dose, one needle which means ease and peace of mind for the consumer.”
Competitors Pfizer and BioNTech are also testing a similar two-in-one vaccine against flu and Covid.