There’s a new type of flu vaccine for older adults this year. Can you get it?

Live updates

1. 20d ago

   Updated flu vaccines available as 2026 season begins

   Updated flu vaccines are now available at pharmacies and clinics. This coincides with the FDA approval of Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults aged 50 years and older. While the general flu shot is accessible, the latest COVID-19 vaccines are not yet available. Patients should consult healthcare providers to determine if the mRNA option is available for their specific demographic as the 2026 to 2027 season starts.

   Why it matters

   The introduction of mRNA technology for seasonal influenza represents a shift in how older populations are protected from the virus. August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This timing aligns with students returning to school and a rise in COVID-19 cases.

   What is confirmed

   • The FDA approved Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults aged 50 years and older.
   • Updated flu vaccines are available.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The latest COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available.

   What to watch next

   • Availability dates for the latest COVID-19 vaccine
   • Distribution status of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine at retail pharmacies
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Bird Flu
   2. consent.yahoo.com — FDA approves IMAAVY® (nipocalimab-aahu) as first-ever treatment for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA), representing a landmark advancement for …
   3. politifact.com — COVID-19 is rising as kids are headed back to school. Are 2026 flu and COVID vaccines available?
   4. www.galvnews.com — What’s new with flu vaccines?
   confidence 90%
2. 23d ago

   FDA approves Moderna mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older

   The FDA approved Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults aged 50 years and older. The company expects the vaccine to be available in the United States for the 2026 to 2027 flu season. This marks a shift toward using messenger RNA technology for seasonal influenza prevention in older populations. Patients should check with healthcare providers regarding specific availability as the 2026 to 2027 season approaches.

   Why it matters

   Traditional flu vaccines often vary in effectiveness for older adults. mRNA technology allows for potentially faster production and precise targeting of viral strains.

   What is confirmed

   • The FDA approved Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine for adults ages 50 years and older.
   • Moderna expects the vaccine to be available in the United States for the 2026 to 2027 flu season.

   What to watch next

   • Official release date for the 2026 to 2027 flu season
   • Clinical data on vaccine efficacy compared to traditional shots
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Times Union — There’s a new type of flu vaccine for older adults this year. Can you get it?
   2. Medical News Today — New flu vaccine: Moderna's mRNA vaccine approved by FDA
   3. Yahoo Finance — Moderna's Comeback Is Finally Taking Shape -- and There May Be More Upside Ahead
   4. UC Santa Cruz - News — RNA researcher on the basics of how mRNA vaccines are made and work
   5. Medical Professionals Reference — Navigating the New mRNA Flu Shot: A Discussion With Dr William Schaffner
   6. www.medicalnewstoday.com — Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine approved by FDA. When is it available?
   confidence 100%