FDA approves first mRNA influenza vaccine from Moderna

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first mRNA-based influenza vaccine in the country. Developed by Moderna, the immunization is authorized for adults aged 50 and older.

In a clinical study involving more than 40,000 adults, the vaccine demonstrated approximately 27% greater efficacy than standard influenza vaccines during the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. Reported side effects included injection site pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fever.

A key advantage of mRNA technology is the reduced time required between strain selection and production, which may allow the vaccine to better match circulating virus strains. Moderna expects the vaccine to be available by the fall of 2026.