New, more effective flu vaccine available this week in North Bay

Key Points:

• The FDA approved Moderna’s mRNA influenza vaccine, mFLUSIVA, in August for people aged 50 and older, with accelerated approval for those 65 and older, and it may become available this week at CVS and Walgreens.
• Unlike traditional flu vaccines grown in eggs, mFLUSIVA uses mRNA technology to produce viral proteins that trigger immune responses, allowing faster development and potentially greater effectiveness against current flu strains.
• Clinical trials involving over 40,000 adults showed the mRNA flu vaccine is about 26.6% more effective overall than standard-dose traditional vaccines, with increased protection against influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B strains.
• While the mRNA flu vaccine may cause more frequent short-term side effects such as sore arm, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches, serious medical complications are comparable to traditional flu vaccines.
• Health officials recommend vaccination between mid-to-late October and emphasize a layered approach to flu prevention, including hygiene, staying home when sick, improving ventilation, and mask-wearing to protect individuals and communities.