Health Canada authorizes Moderna's mRNA flu and flu-COVID-19 combo vaccines
Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine and its combined flu-COVID-19 shot have received approval for adults 50 and older, though the company says distribution will miss the upcoming respiratory season.
Health Canada has granted approval for Moderna's mRNA vaccine targeting influenza and a combined mRNA vaccine for flu and COVID-19. Both products are authorized for adults aged 50 and older.
"Health Canada notified the company that its flu vaccine — called mFLUSIVA — and its combination flu and COVID-19 shot — called mCOFLU — were approved on Thursday," a Moderna spokesperson said.
Moderna indicated that the vaccines are unlikely to reach pharmacies before the peak of the current respiratory virus season. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization continues to recommend the non-mRNA flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, with a higher-dose version advised for those 65 and older. The committee also urges COVID-19 vaccination for seniors and residents of long-term care facilities. Moderna and Pfizer already have mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada.
The company noted that its mRNA flu shot received U.S. approval in August and the combo vaccine was authorized in Europe last April, making Canada the first country to approve both.