Moderna has announced a new single-dose vaccine that is a combination of a COVID-19 booster and a booster against seasonal flu.
Today we are announcing the first step in our novel respiratory vaccine program with the development of a single-dose vaccine that combines a booster against COVID-19 and a booster against flu.
Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna
Since the start of the pandemic, Moderna has been at the forefront of vaccine development. The biotechnology company used messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to develop an effective vaccine against COVID-19. The success of their mRNA vaccine has led to further advances in therapeutics and vaccines. In a recent press release, the company announced that it had developed a single-dose vaccine containing a combination of COVID-19 and flu booster shot.
mRNA Technology Proves Successfull
The spread of the deadly Delta variant has led multiple countries to approve booster shots of COVID-19. Especially, for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, multiple vaccine manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer have applied for approval of their booster shots. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and several health professionals have called for a halt on booster shots. Many have even called them unnecessary, citing the lack of evidence against their benefits.
We believe our mRNA platform can solve the world’s greatest health challenges.
Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna
Both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and flu virus can cause serious infections and even death in the elderly. Although COVID-19 is considered far more dangerous than flu, science predicts that similar to flu annual COVID-19 booster shots might become a thing of the future. The rate of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 further implies the likely need for a booster.
The COVID-19 and flu booster combination vaccine (mRNA-1073) is not the only vaccine in the works. The company also has several other projects in the pipeline. According to the press release, the company is also conducting clinical trials for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in older adults. Furthermore, Moderna is also working on an mRNA vaccine against rare pediatric diseases.
Source: Moderna
