There's a new flu vaccine on the market. Will it move the needle on reducing disease?

Flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is approaching, and people seeking an annual vaccination now have a new option: mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based influenza vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults aged 50 and older. Moderna announced the FDA approval on August 5, and the company anticipates the vaccine will be available in the U.S. this fall.

Public health and pharmacy experts at Northeastern University believe mFlusiva has the potential to enhance vaccine efficiency and efficacy, though they are unsure if it will significantly alter vaccination practices in the future. Dr. Brandon Dionne, a clinical professor of pharmacy and health systems sciences, suggested that mFlusiva could be a "game changer" in combating epidemic flu, while Dr. Neil Maniar, director of the master of public health program and professor of practice in public health and health sciences, noted that it could be an "incremental" addition to existing tools.

Traditional flu vaccines are developed based on the circulating strains from the previous season (generally October to May in the U.S.) and the Southern Hemisphere winter (summer in the Northern Hemisphere), a process that takes six months and often produces inaccurate predictions. This year's 2025–2026 shot was 36% effective, down from 56% the previous season. mRNA vaccines, like mFlusiva, can be developed in about three months and have produced a stronger and longer-lasting immune response than standard-dose shots, potentially reducing immunity waning after a few months.

Despite these advantages, widespread adoption of mFlusiva faces challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and logistical issues. Most hospitals and health care providers stock large quantities of the standard-dose vaccine, and the mRNA vaccine is only approved for those 50 and older. This limited eligibility may restrict its impact on the broader population.