FDA Approves Moderna Flu Shot

Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine won FDA approval for older adults after a rocky review.

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A Better Flu Vaccine Is Possible, if Team RFK Jr. Stays Out of the Way

The flu shot finally gets an upgrade

FDA approves first-ever mRNA flu vaccine for millions of older Americans

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The reporting

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

The FDA approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, the first U.S. seasonal influenza vaccine made with mRNA technology, for adults 50 and older. Moderna received traditional approval for adults ages 50 to 64 and accelerated approval for adults 65 and older, with a requirement to run an additional clinical trial in the older group. In a late-stage study, mFlusiva was about 27% more effective than a standard flu shot. The authorization follows an earlier FDA refusal-to-file decision and a unanimous June advisory committee vote backing approval.

Analysis & opinion

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mRNA vaccine promiseLeans Left

mRNA vaccine technology remains scientifically valuable and could lead to better flu protection than traditional shots. Moderna’s flu vaccine is a meaningful advance, even if it is not the final goal of a universal flu vaccine.

political headwindsLeans Left

Trump administration health officials, especially Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have created obstacles for vaccine science through skepticism, intervention, cancellations, or weaker recommendations. That political pressure risks undermining mRNA progress and complicates the significance of Moderna’s FDA approval.