Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel Said the Approval Demonstrates the Strength of the Mrna Platform and Offers a New Option for America's Seniors

The Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, for adults 50 and older, the company announced late Wednesday. The shot, the first flu vaccine to use the same mRNA technology as COVID-19 shots, will be available in a few weeks, in time for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season in the U.S. Company research involving more than 40,000 people found the vaccine safe and more protective than traditional flu shots. The approval came despite the Trump administration's hostility toward mRNA technology, including initial FDA refusal to review the vaccine, which reversed after industry and public health backlash.

An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended approval in June. Supporters, including infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, called it a critical step forward, while critics like Dr. Brian Hooker of Children's Health Defense argued the technology is too new. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the approval demonstrates the strength of the mRNA platform and offers a new option for America's seniors.