First Combined COVID and Flu Vaccine Approved in EU

Getting vaccinated just got simpler for millions. European regulators approved the world's first single-shot vaccine that protects against both COVID-19 and seasonal flu for people 50 and older.

The European Medicines Agency authorized mCombriax in February 2026, marking a significant step forward in making healthcare more convenient. Instead of scheduling two separate appointments and getting two shots, people can now get protection against both viruses in one visit.

The vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, similar to existing COVID vaccines, to teach the body how to fight off both SARS-CoV-2 and three common flu strains. A study of 8,000 people showed it worked just as well as getting the vaccines separately, producing strong antibody responses against both viruses.

This breakthrough matters especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems who face the highest risk from these respiratory illnesses. Up to 50 million people in Europe get symptomatic flu cases every year, and co-infection with both viruses can lead to more severe disease than either one alone.

The most common side effects include injection site pain, tiredness, muscle aches, and headache, typically starting around day two and lasting about three days. These are similar to side effects from existing COVID and flu vaccines.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond individual convenience, this innovation could transform public health campaigns across Europe. Health officials can now simplify their messaging and reduce the logistical challenges of running separate vaccination drives.

The vaccine's composition will be updated regularly to match circulating virus strains, just like current flu shots. Each European country will decide whether to include it in their vaccination programs based on their specific healthcare needs and priorities.

Moderna developed the vaccine, and it's expected to become available once final European Commission approval and individual country pricing decisions are complete. For the millions of Europeans eligible for both COVID and flu vaccines, this means one less barrier to staying protected.

This first-of-its-kind approval shows how vaccine technology continues to evolve to make preventive healthcare simpler and more accessible for everyone who needs it.