In a landmark for public health, the European Commission on Tuesday approved Moderna’s mCOMBRIAX — the first vaccine in the world to combine protection against both influenza and COVID-19 in a single dose. The approval covers adults aged 50 and over across all EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
The decision was based on Phase 3 clinical trial data involving roughly 8,000 adults in two age groups (50–64 and 65+). The randomized, partially blinded study compared the combo shot against existing approved vaccines for each virus separately. The approval could simplify annual vaccination campaigns and improve uptake among older populations, who are most vulnerable to both respiratory diseases.
