VacciNEWS around the globe

EMA backs first mRNA flu–COVID combination vaccine for older adults The EMA’s CHMP has issued a positive opinion for Moderna’s mRNA combination vaccine “mCombriax,” targeting both seasonal influenza and COVID‑19 in adults aged 50 years and older, after a phase 3 trial in about 8,000 participants showed superior immune responses compared with separate influenza and COVID‑19 comparators. Reference: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/after-fda-recently-declines-review-ema-backs-first-ever-2026a10006r9 ​US ACIP March meeting to review COVID‑19 vaccine safety and Long COVID data The US CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet on 18–19 March 2026 to review updated data on COVID‑19 vaccine safety, including myocarditis after mRNA vaccines, reported vaccine injuries and emerging evidence that respiratory virus vaccination reduces the risk of Long COVID, with potential implications for future booster policy. Reference: https://www.forbes.com/sites/omerawan/2026/03/05/the-public-health-issues-surrounding-the-march-2026-cdc-vaccine-advisory-meeting[forbes]​ US advocacy groups highlight federal vaccine policy shifts A March 10 update from a US public‑interest group warns that several recent federal policy decisions could weaken access to vaccines for vulnerable populations,...