US FDA approves first mRNA flu shot from Moderna
The shot reduced flu cases by about 27% in a trial of more than 40,000 adults, Moderna said.
- On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Food and Drug Administration approved mFLUSIVA, Moderna's mRNA-based influenza vaccine for adults aged 50 and older, marking the first U.S. authorization of an mRNA flu vaccine.
- Unlike traditional egg-based flu vaccines requiring six months to produce, mRNA technology allows manufacturing in two to three months, enabling faster updates to target evolving flu strains more effectively.
- In a trial of 40,700 participants, mFLUSIVA demonstrated 26.6% greater effectiveness than standard shots, though roughly 66% of recipients reported injection-site pain compared to 30% for standard vaccines.
- The approval arrived despite an initial FDA refusal to review the application earlier this year and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s cancellation of $500 million in mRNA research projects last year.
- Authorization for seniors 65 and older remains provisional pending further studies, though Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel called the vaccine an 'important new option' for America's seniors.
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Will the mRNA flu shot work better than a regular seasonal one? What the science says
Nature, Published online: 13 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02502-8Moderna’s newly approved vaccine could allow manufacturers to respond more rapidly to changing influenza strains.
Travel & Lifestyle: What To Know About The New Flu Shot For Age 50-Plus Adults
After several disastrous flu seasons, there is some good news: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new, more effective flu vaccine for older adults that should be available in time for the fall. The new shot, mFlusiva, is made by Moderna and was shown to be 27% more effective than the standard flu shot in clinical trials. The shot is fully approved for adults ages 50 to 64 and has temporary accelerated approval in adults 65 and olde…
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolThe injection, called mFlusive, is intended for adults 50 years of age or older.
For the First Time, an mRNA Flu Shot Will Be Available to Some People in the United States. Here's What You Should Know
The Food and Drug Administration just approved the new type of flu vaccine for adults ages 50 and older. It relies on the same technology as many Covid-19 jabs. However, it’s unclear whether insurance companies will pay for the novel flu shot
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