Health Canada approves Moderna’s mRNA flu and flu-COVID combo vaccines

Health Canada has greenlit Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine, along with its combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Both new vaccines are approved for adults aged 50 and above. However, Moderna has informed The Canadian Press that these vaccines won't be available in pharmacies for the current respiratory virus season. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization advises that everyone six months and older should receive the traditional non-mRNA flu shot this year.

An enhanced-dose flu vaccine is recommended for those aged 65 and up, as aging immune systems typically require a stronger boost. The committee highly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for anyone aged 65 and older, as well as residents of long-term care, retirement homes, or assisted living facilities. Moderna and Pfizer have both launched mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in Canada this year.

A Moderna spokesperson confirmed to The Canadian Press that Health Canada notified the company of the vaccines' approval on Thursday. According to a press release, Moderna's flu vaccine, named mFLUSIVA, received approval in the United States back in August, while its combination flu and COVID-19 shot, called mCOFLU, received the nod from European authorities last April. The company stated that Canada was the first nation to endorse both vaccines.