Denmark Tests Combined Covid and Flu Vaccine

A Danish trial is testing a new combined flu and Covid vaccine. It is the first clinical trial of this vaccine in Europe. A 65-year-old Dane receives the first shot at Gentofte Hospital on Friday.

The study tests if one injection protects as well as two shots. Tor Biering-Sørensen from Herlev and Gentofte Hospital leads the study. About 165,000 Danes have already signed up to join. Over 300,000 people will participate over the next two years.

Half of the participants will receive the single combined shot. The other half will get two separate vaccinations as usual. In Denmark, people aged 65 and older get free seasonal vaccines. Residents with chronic illnesses are also eligible for free shots.

About 1.3 million residents received vaccination invitations in September. The vaccines aim to prevent severe illness during winter. Danish public broadcaster DR first reported on this clinical trial.