Health Canada authorises Moderna's flu and flu-COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for seniors
Health Canada has approved Moderna's standalone influenza vaccine, mFLUSIVA, and its combined flu-COVID-19 vaccine, mCOFLU, for adults aged 50 and older, making Canada the first country to authorize both products.
Health Canada announced on Thursday that it has authorized two Moderna mRNA vaccines: a single-antigen influenza shot called mFLUSIVA and a combined influenza-COVID-19 vaccine named mCOFLU. Both products are approved for use in adults aged 50 years and older, with a higher-dose formulation recommended for those 65 and older due to age-related immune changes.
The regulator’s decision follows a recommendation that COVID-19 vaccination also be strongly advised for people 65 and older and for residents of long-term care, retirement homes or assisted-living facilities. Moderna confirmed the approvals in a news release, noting that the flu vaccine received U.S. approval in August and the combination vaccine was cleared in Europe in April, and that Canada is the first country to grant authorization for both.
Moderna and Pfizer continue to supply mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in Canada this year.