Current status of the seasonal influenza vaccines for 26/27 flu season with emphasis on mRNA technology vaccines
The FDA approved mFlusiva, the first mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine manufactured by Moderna, in August 2026 for the 2026–2027 flu season. mFLUSIVA® is the first FDA-approved mRNA-based influenza vaccine, manufactured by Moderna and approved in August 2026.
It is especially targeted for adults aged 50 years and older. (Ages 65+ have accelerated approval based on immune response data pending confirmatory trials). Because the FDA approval came in August 2026—after standard annual vaccine manufacturing and ordering deadlines—supply may be limited or harder to find initially at traditional doctors' offices, though it is rolling out via select pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Clinical trials showed the mRNA approach outperformed standard egg-based vaccines in several measures, potentially offering higher efficacy and a faster manufacturing update cycle when strains mutate. It to produce slightly more prominent short-term systemic side effects than standard shots—such as fatigue, muscle aches, headache, or low-grade fever—which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
It has not yet been approved or tested for younger adults or children.
It is especially targeted for adults aged 50 years and older. (Ages 65+ have accelerated approval based on immune response data pending confirmatory trials). Because the FDA approval came in August 2026—after standard annual vaccine manufacturing and ordering deadlines—supply may be limited or harder to find initially at traditional doctors' offices, though it is rolling out via select pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Clinical trials showed the mRNA approach outperformed standard egg-based vaccines in several measures, potentially offering higher efficacy and a faster manufacturing update cycle when strains mutate. It to produce slightly more prominent short-term systemic side effects than standard shots—such as fatigue, muscle aches, headache, or low-grade fever—which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
It has not yet been approved or tested for younger adults or children.
