One appointment, one injection, protection against two respiratory infections: the first combination vaccination against Covid-19 and flu is getting closer in Europe.
For many people, vaccination could become much easier in the fall. With mCombriax For the first time, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended a combination vaccine that is intended to protect against both Covid-19 and seasonal influenza with just one injection. According to the EMA, the preparation is intended for humans from 50 years. This would make it the first combined mRNA vaccine of this type to be launched on the market in Europe
Two vaccinations in one syringe
The vaccine is intended to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 and several seasonal influenza strains. According to the EMA, it is an mRNA vaccine that is directed against Covid-19 as well as influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and influenza B/Victoria. For patients, this could mean one thing above all: less effort if both a flu and a Covid vaccination are an option in the fall anyway.
What the studies show
The EMA recommendation is based on study data with around 8,000 participants aged 50 and over. According to Moderna and the EMA, the combination vaccine triggered strong immune responses. Reuters also reports that mCombriax showed better antibody responses in the study than the separately administered comparison vaccines.
Why the approval is not yet complete
The EMA recommendation is an important step, but not the final hurdle. Only when the EU Commission formally grants approval can the vaccine be marketed in the member states. The individual countries then decide whether and how to include the drug in their vaccination strategy. When mCombriax will actually be available also depends on these national decisions.
What that could mean for Germany
In Germany, vaccination recommendations are based on the STIKO. The Robert Koch Institute points out that the flu vaccination in autumn is particularly recommended for older people and other risk groups. Covid booster vaccinations also remain relevant for certain groups. A combination vaccine could therefore be particularly interesting for people for whom both vaccinations are recommended anyway. Whether and when the preparation will actually be offered in this country is currently still unclear.
Conclusion
The possible approval of mCombriax would not only be a simplification for patients, but also a signal for vaccine development as a whole. The trend for years has been to combine vaccinations in a more targeted manner and thus bundle vaccination appointments. If the EU Commission agrees, mCombriax would be the first combined Covid flu vaccination in Europe.
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