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What To Know About The New Flu Shot For Age 50-Plus Adults
HuffPost • • health
Key Points:
- The FDA has approved mFlusiva, a new mRNA-based flu vaccine by Moderna, which is 27% more effective than the standard flu shot for adults aged 50 to 64 and has accelerated approval for those 65 and older.
- mFlusiva uses mRNA technology similar to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, allowing faster production and potential for quick updates if circulating flu strains change mid-season.
- Clinical trials showed stronger immune responses and slightly more side effects such as fatigue, injection site pain, and mild flu-like symptoms compared to traditional flu vaccines.
- The vaccine is expected to be available for the upcoming flu season, but insurance coverage is uncertain; experts advise getting whichever flu vaccine is available rather than delaying protection.
- Health professionals emphasize that despite misinformation, mRNA vaccines are safe, well-studied, and represent a significant advancement in flu prevention, potentially reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
