More than four years have passed since the coronavirus pandemic started globally. Infection prevention measures and vaccination have reduced the severity of the disease, but the risk of problems caused by new variants remains constant. The nature of new variants is believed to be dodging the immunity created by the vaccine, so vaccines have been updated several times.
Given the risks of infection, scientists are advising people to take the COVID-19 vaccine every year just like the flu vaccine. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time, which can lead to the risk of infection due to new variants.
Like corona, every year millions of people around the world fall ill due to infection with the influenza virus. Scientists are now trying to kill two birds with one stone to prevent these infectious diseases. A team of researchers is developing a special vaccine for COVID-19 and flu that can prevent both these infectious diseases.
Same vaccine for COVID-19 and flu
Every time we think that we are free from COVID-19, the virus comes with a new mutation. Health officials recommend that all people should get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and influenza every year shortly. In this direction, a team of researchers is working towards creating a 'two in one' vaccine.
In this regard, on June 10, vaccine manufacturer Moderna said that it is working on such a vaccine. In initial results, this combined COVID-19/influenza vaccine has been seen to give better results than the existing separate vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
It is effective on most strains of influenza
The researchers said that the COVID-19 part of this combined vaccine is seen to target the spike protein of the virus more effectively than the existing vaccine. The shelf life of this vaccine can also be longer. On the other hand, the influenza component of the vaccine uses mRNA technology. It can be effective against almost all strains of influenza spreading throughout the season. This vaccine is effective in the influenza A group of influenza and influenza B strains.
What did the study find out?
The vaccine trial included 8,000 participants aged 50 years and above. Half of the people were given a combination vaccine while the remaining people were given separate vaccines for COVID and flu. The combo vaccine generated 20 to 40% more antibodies against influenza strains and 30% more antibodies against COVID-19 variants compared to the group taking separate vaccines. Good antibody levels were also seen in older people.
What do scientists say?
Dr. Jacqueline Miller, vice president of the infectious disease department at Moderna and one of the lead authors of the research, says, "The real advantage of this two-in-one vaccine is that people only need to get one injection. It also has a public health benefit, as vaccination rates for both diseases are relatively low worldwide, including in the U.S. When we can give both vaccines together, it will also increase vaccination compliance rates, especially for those who are most at risk. This vaccine can also be considered to protect against infection more effectively."
(PC: ISTOCK)
