Mater Research Initiates Trial for Novavax's Combined COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine
Key Insights
Mater Research in Brisbane has begun a clinical trial for a combined COVID-19 (search) and influenza (search) vaccine developed by Novavax.
The protein-based, non-mRNA vaccine aims to protect individuals unable to receive mRNA vaccines by using a coronavirus spike protein (search) segment to trigger an immune response.
The trial seeks 150 healthy participants over 65 who haven't received a flu vaccine in the past two months and will run for three weeks.
Mater Research in Brisbane, Australia, has commenced a clinical trial evaluating a combined COVID-19 (search) and influenza (search) vaccine developed by Novavax. This initiative aims to provide a non-mRNA vaccine option for individuals who cannot receive mRNA vaccines, potentially boosting vaccination rates for both diseases.
The protein-based vaccine includes a segment of the coronavirus spike protein (search), designed to trigger an immune response by presenting a harmless piece of the protein to the immune system. This prompts immune cells to recognize the spike protein as a foreign invader and build a defense against it.
Trial Details and Objectives
The trial, set to run for three weeks after commencing on November 4, seeks 150 healthy participants over the age of 65 who have not received an influenza (search) vaccine in the past two months. Mater Research’s Respiratory, Infectious Disease and Thoracic Oncology (RIO) Unit is managing the trial, which is one of over 20 clinical trials focused on respiratory health currently underway at the institute.
Professor Paul Griffin, Mater Infectious Diseases Director and the trial's principal investigator, noted the concerning trend of under-vaccination against both influenza (search) and COVID-19 (search). "We know that the majority of people are currently under-vaccinated against both influenza and Covid-19," he stated. "We hope that providing people with the option of an approved combination vaccine will help with vaccine uptake as there will be no need for two jabs."
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Access
Professor Griffin also highlighted the importance of offering a non-mRNA option. "We know there are many people who cannot have or do not want to have an mRNA vaccine. Participating in this trial gives people access to a non mRNA option as part of the trial and will provide the data upon which a decision can potentially be made to approve them in the future."
The institute reported that in the past year, only 559,000 out of 5.56 million Queenslanders have received a COVID-19 (search) vaccination. Influenza (search) vaccinations have also decreased compared to the previous year’s free flu vaccination campaign, with 1.7 million vaccinations administered this year.