FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA-based vaccine: What you need to know

The Food and Drug Administration has reportedly approved a new kind of flu vaccine for older people: a pioneering mRNA formulation that was key to ending the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shot primarily named mFlusiva is indicated only for adults aged 50 or older. Meanwhile, other brands of flu shots are available in pharmacies ahead of peak vaccination season.

Moderna, which is based in Cambridge, confirmed the FDA granted complete endorsement for mFlusiva’s use in people ages 50 to 64, according to a study of 40,000 people that discovered the new shot recorded flu cases by about 27% compared with another influenza virus vaccine. The FDA granted fast-track approval for the shot for people aged 65 or older.

The FDA action comes after a highly unusual public loss of control over mFlusiva earlier this year.

Nonetheless, Flu vaccines must be reformulated annually of the virus; however, vaccines developed with the Nobel prize winning mRNA technology can be produced than traditional types. Experts further suggest this additional approval could help combat the antigenic shift flu virus which mutates to bypass existing immunity.