Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 4:36 PM
The European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of a combination vaccine developed by Moderna to protect against COVID-19 and influenza with a single dose. This decision paves the way for the first single-dose vaccine for individuals aged 50 and older against both diseases within the European Union.
European Agency Recommends Approval of Moderna’s Combined Vaccine Against COVID-19 and Influenza
According to Reuters, the new vaccine, named mCombriax, aims to simplify the vaccination process. Currently, individuals require two separate doses to protect against both viruses, with vaccines needing annual updates to match circulating strains.
Moderna is relying on this vaccine, along with an mRNA-based influenza vaccine, to support a return to revenue growth after demand for COVID-19 vaccines declined in the years following the pandemic. The company’s stock has lost approximately 90% of its value compared to its peak in 2021.
The European agency’s recommendation was based on a study of around 8,000 participants, which showed that recipients of the combined vaccine produced higher levels of antibodies compared to those who received separate doses of the Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine and traditional influenza vaccines.
The agency also considered additional data on the effectiveness of mRNA technology in stimulating an appropriate immune response against influenza strains and SARS-CoV-2.
The European Commission will now review the European Medicines Agency’s recommendation before making a final decision on granting marketing authorization within EU member states. A clear timeline for this decision has not yet been established.
