Alrighty, so there’s this new vaccine by Moderna that’s taking a swing at both the seasonal flu viruses and the COVID-19 virus. Two birds with one stone, you know? The vaccine, called mRNA-1083, seems to amp up the immune response more than getting separate flu and COVID shots, according to some trial data that got published in JAMA on May 7.
The Phase 3 clinical trial involved adults aged 50 and up, split into two groups. One group got the new combo vaccine, while the other group got the usual flu and COVID-19 vaccines separately. They measured the antibody levels produced in response to each vaccine. Antibodies are these protective proteins that give diseases a good ol’ one-two punch and help predict how well a vaccine can shield you from getting sick.
Seems like this combo shot could be a game-changer, making it easier for folks to get their flu and COVID jabs in one go. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UCSF mentioned that nobody really enjoys getting poked with needles, so having a one-stop-shop vaccine can make the whole process a bit less dreadful. Plus, with vaccination rates dropping, anything that streamlines the process is a win in his book.
