Moderna faces safety criticism over large-scale COVID-flu vaccine trial

Scientists and physicians have raised safety concerns regarding Moderna’s upcoming DAN-COMBO clinical trial, which aims to test a combined COVID-19 and influenza mRNA vaccine. The study is expected to enroll approximately 410,000 healthy adults aged 65 and older in Denmark and Spain during the upcoming cold and flu season.

The trial will compare the combination vaccine, mRNA-1083, against two separate injections: Moderna’s Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine and its mRNA-1010 influenza vaccine. Critics, including researchers from the World Council for Health Scandinavia and Children’s Health Defense, have questioned the study's methodology, specifically citing the lack of a placebo group and the absence of participant blinding, which they argue could introduce bias.

Some experts have expressed fears that the trial could expose elderly participants to serious adverse events, such as heart problems, blood clots, or other complications associated with mRNA technology. While the DAN-COMBO researchers state the study is necessary to address knowledge gaps regarding the effectiveness of combined versus separate vaccinations, critics argue that previous safety data warrants more rigorous scrutiny before such a large-scale rollout.