Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine more effective than standard shot in late-stage trial
NBC News • • health
Key Points:
- Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine demonstrated about 27% greater effectiveness in preventing illness compared to standard flu shots in a Phase 3 trial involving over 40,000 adults aged 50 and older, as published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
- The mRNA vaccine showed similar benefits in adults 65 and older, with fewer infections reported compared to the standard flu shot, although it was not tested against the higher-dose flu vaccine typically recommended for this age group.
- The mRNA technology allows for faster vaccine updates, potentially improving strain matching and flu prevention compared to traditional vaccines, which require months of preparation and may face mismatches with circulating virus strains.
- The FDA had previously rejected Moderna’s application due to trial design concerns but allowed the company to amend its filing, with a decision expected by August 5; experts believe the new data strongly support approval.
- Despite scientific support, political opposition exists within the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy’s leadership, which has criticized mRNA vaccines and cut funding for related research, raising concerns about potential ideological influence on vaccine policy.
