The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has taken an important step forward in vaccine innovation. Its Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion recommending the approval of a new combined vaccine designed to protect against both seasonal influenza and COVID-19.

The vaccine, called mCombriax®, is based on mRNA technology and is intended for adults aged 50 years and older. It works by helping the body recognise and respond to key proteins of both influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, supporting protection against both diseases in a single injection.

According to the CHMP, the vaccine has shown the ability to generate an immune response comparable to that achieved when influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are given separately, offering a potentially more convenient approach to vaccination, especially for older populations.

While the positive opinion currently covers adults aged 50 and over, further research is ongoing to understand its use in paediatrics. As part of the regulatory process, a Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) has been agreed by the EMA PDCO (the Paediatric Committee) to evaluate the use of this vaccine in children and adolescents from 6 weeks to less than 18 years of age. The inclusion of a paediatric development plan is particularly relevant, as it ensures that children are not left behind in access to new vaccines, but are instead studied in a structured and safe way.

Combined vaccines such as mCombriax® represent an important step towards more integrated approaches, aiming to improve both access and adherence by reducing the number of injections needed.

As the vaccine is not yet authorised, the final decision now rests with the European Commission. To discover more, read here.