FDA Clears a New Type of Flu Shot

A new type of flu shot is expected to be available to Americans 50 and older this year after the FDA reversed itself. The agency on Wednesday approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, called mFLUSIVA and made by Moderna, reports the Washington Post. The approval covers two age groups: 50 to 64, and 65 and up, though Moderna must run an additional clinical trial in the second group, per NBC News.

The shot should be available within weeks. Medicare is expected to cover it, but insurance for 50- to 64-year-olds may vary by state. Trial data suggest the vaccine was nearly 27% more effective than a standard flu shot but came with higher rates of short-lived side effects like arm pain and fatigue. Initially, the FDA followed the lead of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and declined to even review the Moderna application, but the New York Times reports that the agency reversed itself amid widespread public criticism. The vaccine uses the same technology behind Covid shots, and Moderna says it will result in more effective vaccines that can be rolled out more quickly.