Mater Researchers in Brisbane are leading a trial of a non-mRNA combined COVID-19 and flu vaccine that will protect people who cannot have mRNA vaccines.
The Novavax vaccine that will be trialed at Mater is a protein-based vaccine that contains part of the coronavirus spike protein.
When injected, the immune system cells recognise the spike protein as a threat and begin building an immune response against it. There are currently no protein-based COVID-19 vaccinations available for use in Australia.
MRNA vaccines may not be as effective in people who have a weakened immune system, cancer or a history of cancer.
Professor Paul Griffin, Mater Director of Infectious Diseases, is the Principal Investigator of the clinical trial, and said that Queensland has just experienced a very significant influenza season – and that COVID-19 is still present in the community.
"We know that the majority of people are currently under-vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19," Prof Griffin said.
"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."
"Making it simpler could have a very big impact."
Only 559,000 Queenslanders received a COVID vaccination in the last 12 months, out of a population of 5.56m. More than 1.7m Queenslanders were vaccinated against influenza this year, some 400,000 less than during 2022's free flu vaccination campaign.
Professor Griffin said the trial may benefit those who are hesitant about mRNA vaccinations.
"We know there are many people who cannot have or do not want to have an mRNA vaccine," Professor Griffin said.
"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,"
A representative from Mater Research's Respiratory, Infectious Disease and Thoracic Oncology (RIO) Unit said 150 participants are required for the trial.
South Brisbane trial participant Frances Nilson, 74, chose to be part of the trial because she loves science and has seen first-hand how vaccinations can save lives.
"When I was six years old I sat next to a girl who had polio, and I never saw her again. When the polio vaccine was released, my mother had me vaccinated straight away and I never developed polio despite how infectious it was.
"I am so fortunate for that protection. People forgot how scary that time was."
Healthy volunteers aged over 65 who received an influenza vaccine more than two months ago are invited to take part in the trial.
The Novavax trial will start on 4 November and run for three weeks.
