Phase 3 Clinical Trial Shows Positive Results for COVID-19 and Influenza Combo Vaccine
A combination vaccine that targets both COVID-19 and influenza has shown promising results in a phase 3 clinical trial, according to pharmaceutical company Moderna. The trial compared the immune responses of adults aged 50 and older who received the combination vaccine with those who received an influenza vaccine and Moderna’s COVID-19 shot. The participants who received the combination shot had at least the same level of immune response as the comparison cohorts.
The results from the trial have not yet undergone peer review or been published for public review, but Moderna plans to present the data at an upcoming medical conference and submit it for publication in a journal. This marks the first announcement of positive results from a phase 3 trial for a combination shot.
Combination vaccines have gained attention from Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax, the three companies currently offering COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. These companies hope that combination vaccines will help boost vaccination numbers as fewer people opt for influenza and COVID-19 shots. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that combination vaccines have the potential to reduce the burden on health systems and pharmacies, offer more convenient vaccination options, improve compliance, and provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses.
Despite the positive results, some experts question the need for COVID-flu vaccines based on data showing subpar effectiveness of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Influenza vaccines have been under 50 percent effective in 12 of the past 20 years, while CDC data presented this month suggests that COVID-19 vaccines provide poor protection against infection and quickly degrade shielding against hospitalization.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax to develop updated COVID-19 vaccines due to waning effectiveness. The FDA has specifically asked manufacturers to target the JN.1 variant in the updated shots, which are expected to be available in the fall. Moderna has already filed an application for its updated shot, while Novavax is ready to deliver its updated shots pending authorization. Pfizer officials have expressed readiness to meet demand from the United States and other countries.
It’s worth noting that the currently available COVID-19 vaccines were authorized just a few years ago to combat lower effectiveness against newer variants. However, survey data from the CDC shows that only a small percentage of American adults and children have received these shots compared to the number of people who received influenza vaccines in the past flu season.
In conclusion, the positive results from Moderna’s phase 3 clinical trial for a combination COVID-19 and influenza vaccine offer potential benefits in terms of convenience, compliance, and protection against seasonal illnesses. However, experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of both types of vaccines and the need for combination shots. The FDA has directed manufacturers to develop updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting specific variants to address waning effectiveness. Despite these efforts, vaccination rates for both influenza and COVID-19 remain relatively low compared to previous years.
