Flu Vaccine Based on mRNA Technology Cleared By FDA And Available in Utah

The FDA has approved a new flu shot based on the mRNA technology that the COVID19 vaccine was based on. It is made by Moderna and they are saying it is 27% more effective than flu vaccines of the past.

How mRNA Technology Works: A New Defense Against Flu

Flu shots have used dead viruses or weakened ones to induce the body to create a defense against the flu. With mRNA vaccines, it injects genetic material that instructs the cells to make a protein that stimulates the body's response.

With this new version of the flu vaccine, researchers say they can design it faster when the flu virus is first detected. They can sequence the virus and plug the genetic material into the already created vaccine.

Increased Effectiveness: A New Era for Flu Vaccines

This is why they say it has proven more effective in trials done in last year's flu season. The traditional way often is hits or misses depending on the version of the flu that eventually wins out that year.

There are some that feel the new flu vaccine is being rushed to the public and that more trials should take place. Earlier this year the FDA wanted to hold off on the vaccine made by Moderna to have more testing done, but that was overturned in August.

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There were 3 clinical trials involving 40,000 participants in which the FDA found there were no major safety concerns. It is recommended for 65 and older adults who are at most risk for complications from the flu. For those who