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Pharmaceutical company Moderna is making significant progress on a combined vaccine for both COVID-19 and influenza.
The medical giant says phase two of its research into the combination jab has shown positive results.
"We are excited to move combination respiratory vaccines into phase three development and look forward to partnering with public health officials to address the significant seasonal threat posed to people by these viruses," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement.
READ MORE: Flu shot for the healthy could save hundreds of lives, over $1 billion
"Combination vaccines offer an important opportunity to improve consumer and provider experience, increase compliance with public health recommendations, and deliver value for healthcare systems."
The findings come at the same time a report by the NSW Productivity Commission was released showing close to 500 lives across the state could be saved by a mass flu vaccination blitz.
Herd immunity to the flu could be achieved if 55 per cent of residents under 65 get the shot. Current vaccination numbers sit at 25 per cent.
A mass vaccination blitz would cost the government $81 million, the report says, while delivering a massive $1.3 billion in economic benefits.
There are currently 2217 active COVID-19 cases across New South Wales, and a further 1581 influenza cases in the state, according to NSW Health.
