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HealthLink: You're an older adult and need a flu shot. Which one to get?
KING5.com • • health
Key Points:
- A new mRNA influenza vaccine called mFLUSIVA, developed by Moderna and approved by the FDA, is now available for adults aged 50 and older to help prevent the flu during the 2026-2027 season.
- Early flu activity in Washington state is higher than usual for this time of year but remains within expected seasonal variation, prompting increased attention to vaccination.
- The mRNA flu vaccine has demonstrated nearly 30% greater effectiveness than traditional flu vaccines by triggering both antibody and T cell immune responses, providing an additional layer of protection.
- Unlike conventional flu vaccines that use inactivated virus strains and require lengthy production times, mRNA vaccines can be produced more rapidly, allowing for a closer match to circulating flu strains.
- Experts emphasize the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, noting their widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic and their particular benefit for older adults whose immune systems weaken with age.
