COVID-19-Influenza Combination (coronavirus and influenza vaccine)

2024: US flu vaccine Novavax damages nerves. US authorities banned it from being introduced

In mid-October 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended trials of a combined vaccine against COVID-19 and influenza developed by the American biotechnology company Novavax. It is reported that the drug can damage nerves, and therefore its administration is prohibited.

One of the patients who received the COVID-19-Influenza Combination vaccine (CIC) has motor neuropathy. It is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by slowly progressing asymmetric muscle weakness in the upper and lower extremities. Patients suffering from such an ailment experience various difficulties. It is difficult for them to perform tasks related to fine motor skills, such as turning the key in the lock, shifting small objects, etc. In addition, there is a decrease in grip strength.

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ausmedhealth.com

Motor neuropathy developed in a patient outside the United States who received Novavax CIC in January 2023. He reported on health problems in September 2024. The manufacturer of the drug claims that there have been no similar incidents in previous clinical trials.

We are working closely with the FDA to provide the department with the necessary information to better understand the situation and lift the ban on vaccine trials. Safety is our top priority. We are committed to working expeditiously to meet FDA requests, "said Robert Walker, MD, chief medical officer at Novavax.

At the same time, as noted, the manufacturer himself does not see a causal relationship between the use of CIC and a serious side effect that occurred in the patient. Walker stressed that while vaccines of the previous generation can provide a certain level of protection, the use of new products gives the best results.^[1]

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