Health and Lifestyle

New mRNA Flu Vaccine: What Is mFLUSIVA?

Dr. Riya Patil

Sep 29, 2026 — 2 min read

A New Flu Shot Is Here: What You Need to Know

The flu can make people very sick. Every year, many people get a flu shot to help protect themselves.

Now, there is a new type of flu vaccine in the United States.

Moderna’s vaccine is called mFLUSIVA. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2026. It is approved for adults aged 50 years and older.

So, What Makes This Flu Shot Different?

Let us make it simple.

What Is an mRna Vaccine?

mFLUSIVA uses mRNA technology.

Think of mRNA as a small set of instructions. These instructions tell the body how to prepare to fight the flu.

The body uses the instructions for a short time. Then, the mRNA breaks down and leaves the body.

The vaccine does not give someone the flu.

Why Is This Vaccine Different?

Most flu vaccines are made using older methods. mRNA vaccines use a newer method.

One possible benefit of mRNA technology is that vaccines may be made or changed more quickly when flu viruses change.

This could be useful because flu viruses can change from year to year.

Is mFLUSIVA Better Than Other Flu Shots?

A study looked at more than 40,000 adults aged 50 and older.

The study found that mFLUSIVA worked better than a standard-dose flu vaccine at preventing some confirmed flu infections.

Still, this does not mean that other flu vaccines are bad or no longer useful.

There are several flu vaccines available, and the right choice can depend on age and health.

What Side Effects Can Happen?

Like other vaccines, mFLUSIVA can cause some side effects.

Common side effects may include:

Sore arm, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, fever, and nausea.

These side effects are usually temporary.

When Will It Be Available?

Moderna says mFLUSIVA is expected to be available in the 2026–2027 flu season in the United States.

Things to Know:

mFLUSIVA is a new type of flu vaccine that uses mRNA technology.
It is approved for adults 50 years and older in the United States.
It gives doctors another option for protecting people from seasonal flu.
Your doctor or other healthcare professional can help decide which flu vaccine is best based on age, health, and medical history.

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