The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the country’s first seasonal flu vaccine based on mRNA technology. Developed by Moderna, the vaccine is available for use by adults aged 50 and older.
The new vaccine, called mFlusiva, is the first seasonal flu shot to use the same mRNA technology platform used in some COVID-19 vaccines. One potential advantage of this technology is its speed of production. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines can more quickly adapt to changes in the virus. This is especially important for influenza, as circulating strains are constantly changing, and predictions of which variants will predominate in the coming season are not always accurate.
The approval follows large-scale clinical trials. According to studies, the new vaccine has demonstrated higher efficacy against some flu variants compared to traditional vaccines. The FDA’s final decision marks a significant milestone for the development of mRNA technology for seasonal flu prevention.
However, even the availability of a new vaccine does not replace basic measures to reduce the risk of infection. Experts continue to recommend basic precautions during flu season: avoiding close contact with sick people, washing your hands regularly, and staying home if you experience symptoms. The new vaccine is expected to be available for adults over 50 this coming flu season.