Covid and flu, the single vaccine arrives in the EU but it is only for one age group

“Most cases of Covid and influenza are mild or moderate – explains the EMA in a note – but serious cases also occur, particularly in elderly people and those with a weakened immune system. Co-infection with influenza and Sars-CoV-2 can cause a more serious illness than that which would occur with infection by either virus alone. According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 1 February 2026, over 281.7 million cases had been reported in Europe. Covid cases. Seasonal influenza is also a significant problem, with up to 50 million symptomatic cases occurring in the European Economic Area (EEA) each year.”

The new entry mCombriax works like other vaccines by preparing the body to defend itself against infections. Contains messenger RNA with instructions for the production of proteins present in Sars-CoV-2 and 3 seasonal influenza virusesi: influenza type A-H1N1, influenza type A-H3N2, and influenza type B of the Victoria lineage. Being the first combined vaccine against Covid and influenza, “it offers people the possibility of receiving a single dose to protect themselves from both diseases”. The Sars-CoV-2 strain targeted by the vaccine was based on EMA recommendations for 2023-2024, while the target influenza strains were based on WHO recommendations for 2023-2024. And “the composition of mCombriax is expected to be updated regularly to adapt to the viral strains circulating in the community”, underlines the EU agency. (continued)