All articles tagged with #flu vaccine
New research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress indicates that high-dose flu vaccines reduce hospital admissions for influenza or pneumonia by 8.8% among older adults compared to standard-dose shots. While the CDC already recommends enhanced vaccines for those 65 and older, experts emphasize that age is the primary factor for vaccine selection, and vaccination remains effective throughout the season.
Cold and flu season has arrived early in parts of Canada, with cases rising in Ontario and British Columbia. Health authorities are rolling out free flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines to mitigate the impact of the H1N1 strain. While hospitalizations remain low, officials urge residents to book appointments now to protect vulnerable populations before the winter peak.
Medical societies issued fall vaccination guidelines after the CDC advisory panel faced legal delays. Experts urge getting flu shots by late October, noting a two-week delay for immunity. New options include an mRNA flu shot for adults 50+ and updated COVID-19 boosters for high-risk groups.
Medical societies issued fall vaccination guidelines after the CDC failed to update its advice due to a court battle. Experts urge everyone aged six months and older to get flu shots now, as protection takes two weeks to develop. New options include an mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older, while updated COVID-19 and RSV shots are available for high-risk groups. Vaccination reduces hospitalization risks significantly, particularly for seniors and children.
As flu season approaches, health experts urge immediate vaccination to ensure immunity peaks before winter. The 2026 vaccine formulation includes protection against Subclade K, a strain that caused severe outbreaks last year. While the shot does not guarantee infection prevention, it significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. Protection typically lasts five to six months, making early fall the optimal window for administration.
As respiratory virus season approaches, Minnesota health officials and major medical groups are urging residents to get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, despite the absence of new federal recommendations from the CDC. The FDA approved four updated COVID-19 vaccines in late August targeting the XFG variant, but the CDC has not issued specific guidance on who should receive them, instead advising individuals to consult their healthcare providers. In contrast, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend vaccination for most adults and young children. Minnesota Department of Health officials emphasize that vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing severe illness, particularly for vulnerable groups. While national COVID-19 activity is currently low, it is beginning to rise, and experts expect increased circulation of COVID-19, flu, and RSV after the holidays. Residents are advised to get vaccinated in October to maximize protection before the winter peak.
The annual flu shot is now recognized as a key strategy for healthy aging, with new evidence linking it to a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. While pediatric experts warn of high flu risks for children this season, geriatric specialists emphasize that vaccination protects both the body and the brain as immunity weakens with age.
Moderna’s mFlusiva is the first mRNA-based flu shot and is now available in the US for adults 50 and older (50–64 traditional, 65+ accelerated approvals). In Phase 3 it was about 27% more effective than a standard flu shot; it uses mRNA and can be produced in 2–3 months, but it does not protect against COVID. Younger than 50 can’t get it this season. Price is about $171 per dose without insurance, with coverage varying by insurer, and it’s rolling out to CVS/Walgreens as stock permits ahead of the October vaccination window.
The FDA approved Moderna’s mFLUSIVA (mRNA-1010) for adults 50+, marking the first influenza vaccine using mRNA technology. In trials it was about 26.6% more effective than traditional flu vaccines and produced a stronger immune response in adults 65+, with safety data from roughly 70,000 participants. Real-world data from the 2026–27 season will show performance in broader populations. The mRNA platform enables faster updates to match circulating strains, potentially changing regulatory and rollout dynamics, but questions remain about cost, availability, and uptake. Traditional egg-based and recombinant vaccines will remain available for now, and long-term adoption will depend on real-world effectiveness and public acceptance.
The FDA approved Moderna’s mFLUSIVA (mRNA-1010) for adults 50 and older as the first influenza vaccine using mRNA technology, with trial data showing about 26.6% greater effectiveness than traditional flu vaccines and a stronger immune response in older adults, plus a safety profile based on roughly 70,000 participants. The mRNA platform promises faster updates to match circulating strains, which could alter regulatory and manufacturing timetables. Real‑world performance will be tested in the 2026–27 season; meanwhile, cost, access, and how widely it will be stocked or adopted remain uncertain, and traditional flu shots will continue to be available this season. Uptake may hinge on vaccine confidence in mRNA technology, and long‑term changes to vaccine recommendations could follow real‑world effectiveness data.
Moderna stock jumped about 6% midday after GSK moved its rival mRNA influenza vaccine to Phase III, a development investors view as platform validation for mRNA tech rather than direct competition to Moderna's mFlusvia, which recently received FDA approval. The move underscores the market’s focus on the broader potential of mRNA platforms (including Moderna’s melanoma program with MRK) rather than near-term vaccine revenue, with analysts cautioning that sustained upside hinges on broad solid-tumor success and continued adoption amid a backdrop of policy and financing developments for the modality.
FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults 50 and older (standard approval for ages 50–64 and accelerated approval for 65+), leveraging faster manufacturing to allow strain updates closer to the season. In a large trial, it was about 27% more effective than standard flu shots in people over 50 but had more mild to moderate side effects; serious events were similar to other vaccines. A post-marketing study is required, and availability may be limited this fall while a CDC recommendation is pending due to a delay in the ACIP meeting. Insurance coverage remains uncertain until guidelines are issued. The vaccine could be a valuable option for an older population at higher risk of severe flu outcomes.
FDA approves Moderna’s mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, for adults 50+, with standard approval for 50–64 and accelerated approval for 65+, enabling faster production and closer strain matching; in a 40,000+ participant trial it was about 27% more effective than standard vaccines for ages 50+, though with more transient side effects; a post-marketing study is required, rollout may be limited this fall, and insurance coverage remains unclear until ACIP weighs in (scheduled for October).
FDA-approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, an mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50–64 (full approval) and 65+ (accelerated approval) after trials showed about 27% higher effectiveness than the standard flu shot; the vaccine could be updated quickly to address circulating strains. It’s expected to be available this fall, though insurance coverage remains unclear. Side effects may be stronger than with traditional vaccines but are generally mild. Health experts say to get whichever flu vaccine is available to protect yourself early in the season.
Regulators approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, a new mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 to 64 (fully) and 65+ (accelerated) after trials showed about 27% greater effectiveness than standard flu shots; the vaccine, available this fall, uses mRNA technology to allow faster production and potential yearly updates to match circulating strains, though side effects may be stronger than traditional vaccines; if you’re eligible, get whichever flu shot is available to start protection early in the season.