FDA Approves the First mRNA Flu Vaccine

“I think this is a historic event and incredibly exciting, both scientifically and from a public-health standpoint,” says Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

“Flu remains a significant public health challenge, and mFlusiva provides an important new option for America’s seniors,” said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO.

Marrazzo says the mRNA-based flu vaccine is a gamechanger when it comes to matching influenza strains circulating at a given time and in a given region to the flu vaccine. The better the match, the more effective the shot in preventing flu and some of its serious consequences, including pneumonia, respiratory distress, and even organ failure in those who are most vulnerable to infections, which include older people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Because the mRNA technology relies on a genetic plug-and-play model, in which different genetic sequences for any virus or pathogen can be switched into the vaccine, the shot takes around six weeks to develop. Current flu vaccines, on the other hand, take up to six months to create because they require growing the influenza virus in eggs before the virus is processed into the vaccine to activate the proper immune response.