The first mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine against influenza is now available in the United States. Developed by Moderna, the vaccine, called mFlusiva, uses the same technology as Covid-19 vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in August, but the vaccine is intended only for a specific group of people.<\/p>\n
The new vaccine is approved only for people aged 50 and older. As a result, people under 50 will not be able to receive it during the current flu season and will still have to rely on traditional vaccines. According to a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted in 11 countries and involving more than 40,000 people, mFlusiva is 27% more effective than traditional vaccines. As for side effects \u2014 including injection-site pain, fatigue and headache \u2014 they are slightly more common but are generally mild or moderate. Doctors say this indicates a stronger and more vigorous immune response.<\/p>\n
Most traditional flu vaccines contain an inactivated version of the virus, which is often grown in eggs. In contrast, mFlusiva uses a small fragment of genetic code to teach the body to recognize and fight the virus. The mRNA itself does not remain in the body and breaks down quickly. Importantly, the vaccine does not protect against coronavirus \u2014 it targets only three influenza strains: two type A strains and one type B strain.<\/p>\n
One of the key advantages of mRNA technology is the speed of production. Traditional flu vaccines take around six months to manufacture, whereas Moderna\u2019s vaccine can be produced in two to three months. This shorter production cycle allows scientists to decide later, closer to the start of the season, which strains the vaccine should target.<\/p>\n
The new vaccine has already been distributed to pharmacy chains across the United States, with an uninsured price ranging from $154 to $171. According to recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are advised to get their seasonal flu vaccination by the end of October, as it takes approximately two weeks for full immunity to develop.<\/p>\n