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Influenza Vaccine

All articles tagged with #influenza vaccine

GSK gears up for phase 3 with mRNA flu vaccine after promising phase 2 data
health3 days ago

GSK gears up for phase 3 with mRNA flu vaccine after promising phase 2 data

GSK reports its mRNA influenza vaccine candidates elicited higher immune responses than standard and high-dose vaccines in a 971-participant phase 2 trial, with acceptable safety. The company plans a phase 3 study this month for the optimized FLUm3HA.b-3NA candidate (targeting HA and NA), aiming to boost its faltering flu business amid a market historically characterized by variable vaccine effectiveness. Moderna’s recent FDA approval of an mRNA flu vaccine underscores the growing role of mRNA approaches in flu protection.

Flu Vaccines Are Ready Now, Even as Federal Messaging Dims
health7 days ago

Flu Vaccines Are Ready Now, Even as Federal Messaging Dims

Despite a lighter federal push this year, updated flu vaccines are readily available at pharmacies and clinics across the country. The Kennedy-era shift has reduced national campaigns, though the CDC still recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. You can get the shot at major chains like Walgreens and CVS, with newer options like mFLUSIVA for adults over 50; aim to get vaccinated in September or October as flu season nears. Past seasons have been severe, but vaccination helps prevent hospitalization and serious illness.

FDA approves Moderna’s first mRNA flu shot for adults 50+, enabling faster strain matching
health12 days ago

FDA approves Moderna’s first mRNA flu shot for adults 50+, enabling faster strain matching

The FDA approved Moderna’s mFLUSIVA (mRNA-1010), the first mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older, based on phase 3 data showing superior protection against flu-like illness versus standard vaccines; accelerated approval for 65+, with post‑approval confirmatory data required. The vaccine can be produced more quickly to better match evolving influenza strains, potentially adding an important option without replacing existing vaccines; common vaccine side effects apply, and availability is anticipated for the 2026–2027 season.

Fall Vaccine Update: Updated Flu and COVID Shots Are Coming With Coverage
health15 days ago

Fall Vaccine Update: Updated Flu and COVID Shots Are Coming With Coverage

Fall will bring updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, with insurers expected to cover them despite ongoing uncertainty from federal guidance; major medical societies are urging routine vaccination for all 6 months and older (flu) and for high-risk groups for COVID, and the FDA has approved an mRNA flu shot (mFlusiva) for ages 50–64 that will roll out through pharmacies, though it may take time to become widely available. Annual vaccination is recommended due to yearly viral mutation and waning protection.

FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA flu shot for adults 50+, after initial review reversal
health29 days ago

FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA flu shot for adults 50+, after initial review reversal

The FDA has approved Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine, mFlusiva (mRNA-1010), for adults 50 and older after initially declining to review the application; Phase 3 data show the vaccine is superior to standard vaccines in preventing influenza-like illness in adults 50+, with more mild adverse events, and approvals cover ages 50-64 (and accelerated approval for those 65 and older).

FDA panel endorses Moderna’s next-gen mRNA flu shot for older adults
health2 months ago

FDA panel endorses Moderna’s next-gen mRNA flu shot for older adults

An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine (mFlusiva) for adults 50 and older, approving it for two age groups (50–64 and 65+), with a requirement for an additional post‑market trial in the older cohort. In trials, the shot was about 27% more effective than standard flu vaccines. If FDA and then CDC sign off, it could become the first mRNA influenza vaccine, and its flexible, quickly updated design could help match circulating strains, though final timelines and access this fall remain uncertain amid regulatory and political considerations.

Stronger Flu Vaccine May Shield Seniors From Alzheimer's, Large Study Finds
health4 months ago

Stronger Flu Vaccine May Shield Seniors From Alzheimer's, Large Study Finds

A UTHealth Houston study of nearly 200,000 adults aged 65+ found that recipients of the high-dose influenza vaccine had about a 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with those who received the standard dose, with stronger effects in women. The finding builds on earlier work showing roughly a 40% risk reduction from influenza vaccination and suggests vaccine dosage may influence brain health, though access to high-dose vaccines remains uneven.

health1 year ago

OB-GYNs Endorse COVID-19 Vaccines for Pregnant Women Amidst Federal and State Debates

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its guidelines to strongly recommend vaccination during pregnancy against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, emphasizing the safety and benefits of maternal immunization for protecting both mothers and infants, including passive immunity for newborns and reduced pregnancy complications.

"2024-2025 Northern Hemisphere Flu Shot Recommendations Unveiled"
health2 years ago

"2024-2025 Northern Hemisphere Flu Shot Recommendations Unveiled"

The World Health Organization has announced the recommended viral composition for influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 northern hemisphere influenza season, based on data from the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. The recommendations include specific virus components for trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines, necessary due to the evolving nature of influenza viruses. These recommendations will guide the development, production, and licensing of influenza vaccines for the upcoming season.

CDC Shifts Approach to Flu Shot Messaging, Focusing on Reassurance Instead of Fear
health2 years ago

CDC Shifts Approach to Flu Shot Messaging, Focusing on Reassurance Instead of Fear

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new public relations campaign called "Wild to Mild" to reset expectations around the influenza vaccine after finding that some Americans misunderstand its benefits. The campaign aims to avoid scare tactics and emphasizes the growing evidence that flu vaccination reduces the risk of serious outcomes in vaccinated individuals who still get sick. The CDC's surveys show that rates of seasonal flu vaccination have plateaued nationwide following the COVID-19 pandemic. As officials prepare for a potential uptick in infections from COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the colder months, the CDC is also preparing separate efforts to boost awareness around the general pan-respiratory season.