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50+ Get First mRNA Flu Shot: What You Need to Know
19 Sep
Summary
- Moderna's mRNA flu shot is now available, approved for individuals aged 50 and older.
- The new vaccine showed about 27% greater effectiveness than standard flu shots.
- mRNA technology allows for faster vaccine production, aiding adaptation to flu strains.
The first mRNA flu vaccine, Moderna's mFlusiva, has been approved by the FDA and is now available in the United States, exclusively for individuals aged 50 and older. This groundbreaking vaccine employs messenger RNA technology, similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines, offering a potentially faster way to combat evolving influenza strains. Clinical trials indicated mFlusiva was approximately 27% more effective than standard flu shots in preventing illness.
The new vaccine targets individuals 50 and older, with different approval pathways for those aged 50-64 and 65+. Unlike traditional flu shots that use inactivated virus, mFlusiva uses genetic code to instruct the immune system. This mRNA approach enables quicker vaccine development, with production times of two to three months compared to the six months for conventional vaccines.
While the vaccine was approved in August, its rollout has caused some patient confusion regarding eligibility and its distinction from other vaccines. It specifically targets the flu and does not protect against COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination by the end of October.
