Moderna wins EU approval for combined flu, COVID shot for older adults

April 21 (Reuters) – Moderna said on Tuesday the European Commission had approved its combination vaccine for the prevention of influenza and COVID-19 in adults 50 years of age and older.

Here are the details:

• The approval follows a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency, making mCombriax the first authorised combined flu and COVID‑19 vaccine.

• Shares of the vaccine maker rose nearly 2% in morning trading.

• The EU’s decision is based on a study of 8,000 participants that showed those who received mCombriax generated more antibodies than those who received separate shots against the viruses.

• People needed two separate shots for COVID-19 and influenza until now and the vaccines were updated regularly to match the viral strains in circulation.

• Moderna’s combination shot will be available in all 27 European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the company said.

• In February, Moderna said mCombriax could be available in certain EU markets for the 2026-2027 season.

• The company last year withdrew its U.S. application for its COVID-flu combination shot to wait for efficacy data from a late-stage trial of its influenza vaccine.

• Moderna said in February it was waiting for guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on refiling the application.

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)