Get ready for 2-in-1 Covid and flu jabs after new combined Moderna vaccine trial shows its better than single shots

Patients could soon be given two-in-one flu and Covid jabs after trials found it was just as effective as single shots.

The combined vaccine from Moderna was found to provoke a higher immune response than separate single jabs, according to new data from the firm.

The NHS currently uses Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine alongside Pfizer/BioNTech’s Comirnaty for Covid-19 for its booster programmes.

But a newer version of Spikevax has been created and tested by Moderna, which includes a dose of flu vaccine.

Experts predict these combination jabs could see patients only needing one jab for protection against both illnesses as soon as 2025, with equivalents being developed by competitors Pfizer and BioNTech.

The findings from Moderna showed that the mRNA-1083 vaccine met its goals and led to higher immune responses against flu and Covid than other single vaccines currently in use, including the current Spikevax.

It is the first time final phase 3 data for a combined vaccine has been published by any firm.

The mRNA-1083 jab matched or bettered current flu jabs and was better than the existing Spikevax at making the body produce antibodies.

Scientists believe this is likely because it had been designed to fight more recent variants circulating around the world.

The randomised controlled trial involved two groups of about 4,000 people each, with the first group aged 65 and over testing the new jab compared with a flu vaccine, Fluzone, and the current Spikevax jab.

The second group included adults aged 50 to 64 and included use of the flu jab Fluarix.

Stephane Bancel, chief executive of Moderna, told the BBC he hoped the vaccine could be made widely available in 2026 – or perhaps, 2025.

He said: ‘Combination vaccines have the potential to reduce the burden of respiratory viruses on health systems and pharmacies, as well as offer people more convenient vaccination options that could improve compliance and provide stronger protection from seasonal illnesses.

‘Moderna is the only company with a positive phase 3 flu and Covid combination vaccine.

‘Building on the momentum of positive phase 3 data across our respiratory portfolio, we continue to address significant unmet medical needs and advance public health.’