All articles tagged with #influenza vaccine
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).
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.
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.
The FDA has reversed its earlier stance and agreed to review Moderna’s updated mRNA flu vaccine, with plans for full approval in adults 50–64 and accelerated approval for those 65 and older, plus a post-marketing study in older adults. A decision is expected by August 5, and Moderna shares rose on the news.
Kansas City is experiencing a surge in cases of a new 'super flu' variant of Influenza A, leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures like hand hygiene and masks to combat the ongoing outbreak, which is expected to continue for several weeks.
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.
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.
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.