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New flu vaccine mFlusiva is approved for older people
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- The FDA has approved mFlusiva, a new flu vaccine for adults 50 and older, developed using mRNA technology similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines, according to Moderna.
- mFlusiva showed a 27% reduction in flu cases compared to another common flu vaccine in a study of 40,000 people aged 50-64, earning full FDA approval for this age group.
- For adults 65 and older, the vaccine received accelerated FDA approval based on immune response data, with a postmarketing study ongoing.
- The vaccine may offer advantages in rapid production to address flu virus mutations, though it caused slightly more temporary side effects like injection site pain and fever than current flu shots.
- The FDA’s approval followed a contentious review process, including initial rejection and subsequent reversal after Moderna's challenge and unanimous advisory panel support.
