FDA Reverses Course, Approves First mRNA Flu Shot

FRIDAY, Aug. 7, 2026 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first flu vaccine built on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, months after the agency refused to even consider the application.

The shot, called mFLUSIVA, is made by Moderna and was cleared Wednesday, The New York Times reports.

Approval covers adults ages 50 to 64. Adults 65 and older fall under an accelerated approval, which permits broad use now and can be upgraded to a full approval if a follow-up study delivers acceptable results, The Times reported.

Moderna expects doses to be ready for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season.