FDA approves first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+ for 2026-2027 season

The U.S. FDA has approved Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, for adults aged 50 and older, marking the first mRNA flu shot authorized in the country. Clinical trials showed it to be 26.6% more effective than traditional flu vaccines. The vaccine is expected to be available for the 2026-2027 flu season. This approval follows earlier controversy when the FDA initially declined to review the vaccine amid political and scientific debates over mRNA technology's role in flu prevention.