Health Canada approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine and flu-COVID combo for seniors
Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine and its combined flu-COVID-19 shot have been authorized for adults 50 and older, making Canada the first country to approve both products.
Health Canada has granted approval for Moderna's mRNA vaccine against influenza and a combined mRNA vaccine targeting both flu and COVID-19. The authorizations apply to adults aged 50 years 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 newly approved vaccines are unlikely to reach pharmacies before the start of the current respiratory virus season. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization continues to recommend the non-mRNA flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older, with a higher-dose formulation advised for those 65 and older. The committee also strongly advises COVID-19 vaccination for individuals 65 and older and residents of long-term care, retirement homes or assisted-living facilities.
Both Moderna and Pfizer already have mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada this year. In a news release, Moderna noted that its mRNA flu shot received U.S. approval in August and the combination vaccine was approved in Europe last April, making Canada the first nation to authorize both products.