FDA approves Moderna mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older
The U.S. FDA has granted full approval for Moderna's mRNA flu shot, mFlusiva, for adults aged 50-64 and accelerated approval for those 65 and older, citing a 27% higher efficacy than the standard vaccine in trials.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults ages 50 to 64 and granted temporary accelerated approval for adults 65 and older while an additional trial compares it with the high-dose flu shot used for seniors. Clinical studies involving about 40,000 participants showed the new vaccine was 27% more effective than the conventional flu vaccine.
"The new shot is a messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccine, which likely sounds familiar – the new shot is based on the same technology Moderna used for the COVID-19 vaccines," said Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Experts noted that the flu virus mutates frequently, which can reduce the effectiveness of traditional vaccines. Dr. Onyema Ogbuagu of Yale School of Medicine explained that mRNA technology allows faster production and the possibility of updating the vaccine within a season if the circulating strain changes.
Side effects reported in trials were generally mild and short-lived, including fatigue, injection-site pain, headache and low-grade fever. Dr. Cynthia Leifer of Cornell University said the reactions are similar to those seen with other mRNA vaccines, such as the COVID-19 shots, and typically resolve within one to two days.
The vaccine is expected to be available this fall alongside the standard flu shot. Health professionals advise receiving whichever flu vaccine is on hand, emphasizing that timely vaccination remains the most important protective measure.