EUROPE APPROVES MODERNA'S COMBO FLU-COVID VACCINE FIRST

Moderna's combination vaccine, developed to protect against both flu and COVID-19 in a single shot, received European Commission approval following a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency. The authorization marks a significant milestone for mRNA vaccine technology beyond COVID-19 treatments. The dual-action vaccine simplifies immunization schedules and could improve vaccination compliance. Moderna's withdrawal of its US FDA application last year reflected the shifting regulatory landscape amid anti-vaccine sentiment in Washington. The company cited regulatory delays and the incoming administration's stance on vaccines as factors in the decision. Europe's approval positions it ahead of the US in adopting combination vaccines. The shot is expected to become available to European patients in the coming months, pending national rollout decisions by individual EU member states. The approval underscores Europe's continued commitment to advancing vaccine technology and expanding immunization options against major respiratory viruses.