FDA Approves the First mRNA Flu Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the first mRNA flu vaccine, enabling use of a technology that will make it easier to rapidly target a widely prevalent or particularly virulent strain of the virus.

While there already are multiple flu vaccine options in the US, including three specifically recommended for people age 65 or older, tens of thousands of Americans die from influenza every year and older adults are among the most vulnerable.

In a late-stage trial, mFlusiva was found to be about 27% more effective than a standard flu shot.

In February, the FDA initially declined Moderna’s request for review of the new flu vaccine, citing inadequate trials despite previous conflicting feedback within the agency.