Moderna wins EU approval for combined flu, COVID shot for older adults (updated)
21/04/2026 15:43
Adds details throughout April 21 (Reuters) - Moderna MRNA.O 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) ((siddhi.mahatole@thomsonreuters.com;))