Just Ahead of Flu Season, FDA Approves First mRNA Vaccine for Older Adults

The FDA approved a new mRNA flu vaccine for older adults ahead of the upcoming 2026–2027 flu season. fotostorm/E+/Getty Images The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new mRNA flu vaccine for older adults. The new flu shot, called mFLUSIVA, was found to be effective in clinical trials in preventing serious illness in people ages 50 to 64. The vaccine was also given accelerated approval for people 65 years and older, although more research is being conducted on that age group. A new flu vaccine that uses the same type of technology as the COVID-19 inoculations will be available this influenza season for older adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine for people 50 years and older. The vaccine, known as mFLUSIVA, is manufactured by Moderna, one of the companies that provided COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. The mRNA flu vaccine was approved by the FDA for use in adults 50 to 64 after a phase 3 clinical trial involving more than 40,000 adults ages 50 and older in 11 countries. The study showed that their vaccine was 26% more effective than a licensed standard-dose flu vaccine. The vaccine was also g…