Combined COVID-flu vaccine from Pfizer, BioNTech moving to late-stage testing

Pfizer and BioNTech announced Thursday it would soon begin a Phase 3 trial for its combined flu and COVID-19 mRNA vaccine following "positive" results from its Phase 1/2 study.

Phase 1 and 2 trials are meant to evaluate whether a new drug or treatment is both safe and effective. An official for Pfizer said Thursday they were "encouraged" by the results they've seen so far with their combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine. The company said the results indicated the shot had a safety profile comparable to its standalone COVID-19 vaccine.

“This vaccine has the potential to lessen the impact of two respiratory diseases with a single injection and may simplify immunization practices for providers, patients, and healthcare systems all over the world," said Annaliesa Anderson, Pfizer senior vice president and head of vaccine research and development, in a statement.

A Phase 3 trial, which can include more participants and looks to determine any potential side effects, will start in the "coming months," Pfizer said Thursday.

Pfizer launched its first trial for the combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine last year. Public health experts said at the time that a combined vaccine could enhance vaccine uptake. The federal was seemingly encouraged by the development when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Pfizer and BioNTech a Fast Track Designation, meaning the review process for the product would be expedited.

Health authorities have regularly recommended that people receive both their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra did so when he publicly received his updated COVID-19 dose earlier this year.

Fellow mRNA vaccine developer Moderna is also working on a combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier this week, the company announced it had dosed its first participant in its Phase 3 trial for its combination shot.