New Study Deems Fluzone and Moderna Booster Safe for Co-Administration

Flu season is officially here. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, protection from the flu may be more important than ever. McKnight’s reports the flu shot Fluzone can be safely administered with a booster shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Sanofi, a pharmaceutical company, has made this conclusion based on mid-stage results from ongoing clinical trials. Participants include patients ages 65 and older who were administered both shots simultaneously. Results showed the same immune response when compared to those who received the shots separately. Both shots together are considered safe and equally tolerable.

Fluzone has received approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is also recommended by them. Moderna is awaiting approval for booster shots from the federal agency.

These results come in a critical time as many seniors may be due for booster shots during this flu season. It is also the first study to show proof that co-administration of both shots is safe.

The study will continue to follow approximated 300 participants for a time period of six months.

Michael Greenberg, M.D., North America medical head for vaccines at Sanofi, stated “This season, more than ever, it is critical to help protect the older adults, who are at especially high risk for both severe COVID-19 and complications from influenza, which can include heart attacks and strokes.”

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