U.S. approves Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for flu—the first of its kind

The U.S. has given its approval to Moderna's mRNA vaccine for the flu, known as mFlusiva, marking the first time an influenza vaccine uses this innovative technology. This new vaccine, mFlusiva, demonstrated in clinical trials to be up to 27 percent more effective than traditional flu shots. Unlike conventional flu vaccines that are manufactured months ahead of the flu season, mFlusiva can be developed and distributed within two to three months, offering a more timely response to emerging strains of the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the flu kills between 6,300 and 52,000 people annually, underscoring the importance of effective vaccination programs during flu season. The FDA's approval of mFlusiva, overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services, comes as a welcome development, providing another tool to combat the flu, which annually hospitalizes hundreds of thousands and claims thousands of lives.

Ronald G. Nahass, president of the Infectious Disease Society of America, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the flu and saving lives.