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HCPs discuss growing potential of combination vaccines

06.09.2024 | Insight

HCPs discuss growing potential of combination vaccines

Since the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine in the 1940s, combination vaccines have been developed to help reduce the number of injections needed, increase coverage, simplify vaccine schedules, increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Almost 100 years later, and especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination can easily crop up in our day-to-day conversations and is also a ubiquitous, if sometimes divisive, topic in online conversations.

Using CREATION Pinpoint® we tracked over 230,000 posts about vaccines published by nearly 23,000 healthcare professionals (HCPs). Combination vaccines appeared in more than 1,000 of these posts as HCPs discussed recent advancements in the development of vaccines targeting multiple diseases, such as COVID-19, influenza, and cancer.  From improved immune responses to potential shelf life extensions, HCPs shared the view that these innovative developments hold promise for more effective and accessible vaccination programs.

1. Overall, HCPs are positive about combination vaccines

Amid the ongoing diversity of opinion within the medical community regarding the best approach to vaccination, HCPs have highlighted the potential of combination vaccines for respiratory diseases. These vaccines, which include COVID, flu and RSV,  are anticipated to become available next year. The developments in this area include Moderna’s mRNA-1283, Pfizer’s COVID-flu combination candidate, and Novavax and Sanofi’s collaboration on a flu-COVID-19 combination vaccine, which have garnered positive responses from HCPs.

For instance, Moderna’s COVID-flu combination vaccine was discussed by 92 HCPs in more than 100 posts, of which 54%  were positive. The phase 3 results for its mRNA-1083 COVID-flu combination were well received by HCPs as the data demonstrated a good safety profile. Krutika Kupalli, an infectious disease physician stated, “As a physician and a patient, I would prefer to get one vaccine with both of them”. 

Another positive response came from 17 HCPs who welcomed the Novavax-Sanofi partnership aimed at commercialising COVID-19 vaccines and developing a COVID-flu combination vaccine. HCPs shared posts highlighting this collaboration as a promising effort to create innovative and effective solutions for combating infectious diseases.

2. Some HCPs have polarising views despite the overall positivity 

However, while some HCPs have expressed positive responses to the recent advancements in combining COVID-19 and flu vaccines, mixed opinions and dissenting voices still exist.

Around 50 HCPs have highlighted data suggesting that combination vaccines elicit a stronger serologic and antibody response, with one post stating that a “combined shot was as good maybe a bit better than getting a shot each”; this post was endorsed by five other HCPs.

This contrasting sentiment was also evidenced in the conversations of infectious diseases physicians Christopher Lee and Amesh Adalja, who expressed their opinions about the development of combination vaccines. Lee noted that while manufacturers are making progress in combining vaccines into a single injection, it’s still uncertain if these combinations are as effective as their individual components. Adalja shared a different opinion- the future of respiratory infection prevention lies in the development of more combination vaccines which he believes could offer significant benefits. 

HCPs also shared the setbacks faced by Pfizer and BioNTech in their flu-COVID  phase 3 trial, particularly noting the failure to meet a critical goal for influenza B, which fuelled further scepticism among some HCPs. Physician-scientist Peter A. McCullough, known for his anti-vaccine views, also expressed reservations about the safety and efficacy of these combinations, emphasising the need for thorough safety analyses and transparency to address public concerns. His posts were shared by 30 HCPs.  

3. HCPs shared about the potential of combination vaccines beyond respiratory diseases 

a. Malaria

Beyond respiratory diseases, HCPs also discussed other diseases such as malaria. Paediatrics professor Peter Hotez highlighted the urgent need for malaria combination vaccines, with his call for “urgently required combination vaccines” being shared by two HCPs. He also noted the potential of combining a new hookworm anaemia vaccine with a malaria vaccine, a point that resonated strongly, with his related post being shared 14 times.

b. Cancer

Cancer prevention and treatment have also been a significant focus of discussion among HCPs, with around 100 posts focusing on cancer vaccines and therapies. Key topics included the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with cancer vaccines, testing a combination of vaccines specifically for cancer prevention in Lynch Syndrome and the integration of mRNA technology with immunotherapy in cancer vaccine projects, particularly for childhood cancer.

Oncologists, who made up 15% of the conversation, highlighted the intersection of vaccines and cancer treatments, including  trials exploring combined approaches for advanced solid tumours. Oncologist Anni Wong shared about the “Hugely exciting future in [the cancer vaccine] space” which includes combining mRNA and TMA vaccines.

Oncologist Yüksel Ürün also shared “promising developments” in cervical cancer prevention, particularly through a Swedish study suggesting that combining HPV vaccination with regular screening could significantly reduce infection rates. These results were also shared by three HCPs. 

The combination of HPV vaccination and routine screening was said to be a powerful strategy in the fight against cervical cancer by HCPs. For instance, five HCPs shared Ireland’s target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 thanks to a combination of HPV vaccines, screening and timely treatment.

Additionally, ongoing research into a combination vaccine targeting both gonorrhoea and HPV was showcased by one HCP.

In 12 posts, HCPs shared clinical trials exploring innovative treatments for pancreatic cancer treatments. Radiation oncologist Abhishek Puri shared a notable trial exploring a KRAS-targeted vaccine combined with balstilimab and botensilimab for patients with colorectal cancer and pancreatic ductal cancer. 

Another development is a trial by MSK Cancer Center, which combines adjuvant mRNA vaccines with Atezo for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Surgical Oncologist Young K. Hong  said he is eagerly awaiting the Phase II data, saying it is a much needed trial for PDAC.  

The future of preventive healthcare

The ongoing online discussions among healthcare professionals emphasise a critical juncture in preventive healthcare, as innovative combination vaccines continue to show promising results. While the development of multi-target vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and cancer holds significant potential, the polarising HCP views- especially concerning safety and efficacy- highlight the importance of thorough evaluation and clear, transparent communication.   

Many HCPs are optimistic about the future of combination vaccines, especially given encouraging trial results like those from Moderna. However, scepticism and pushback from influential voices within the healthcare community suggest that, despite the enthusiasm, there is also a need for caution.  

To learn more about HCP sentiment across social media platforms check out other resources including Deepening perspectives: How social media is driving our understanding of HCP sentiment, Personalised cardiovascular care gets HCPs talking about stroke ahead of ESC, and more.

 

 

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Meet the Author

Doménica Carpio

Domé brings a unique mix of skills, combining an academic background in Media Communications and Project Management, all of which she uses to help pharmaceutical companies digest data and turn it into actionable insights.

Domé loves football, Middle Earth and quality time with friends.

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