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The 2026-2027 flu season is almost upon us. And just in time, there’s an exciting new advancement in flu prevention.
On August 5, 2026, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval for Moderna's mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults ages 50 and older in the U.S.
mFLUSIVA at a Glance
| What is it? |
The first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine in the U.S. |
| Who can get it? |
Adults age 50 and older. |
| Who is it especially relevant to? |
Adults 50+ who are looking for another flu vaccine option, including older adults. |
| How does it work? |
It uses mRNA technology to give cells temporary instructions that help the immune system recognize influenza. |
| How effective is it? |
In a Phase 3 trial, it was 26.6% more effective than a standard-dose flu vaccine at preventing influenza in adults 50-64; relative efficacy was 27.4% higher among adults 65+. |
| Is it available yet? |
It is expected to become available at select locations during the 2026-2027 flu season. |
| Is it the best flu vaccine for older adults? |
Check with your doctor. CDC's current guidance preferentially recommends certain higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted vaccines for adults 65+, and 2026-2027 guidance should be checked when released. |
Learn more about the new flu vaccine, why the flu shot is so critical for older adults, and what to expect for the upcoming flu season.
What is the new mRNA flu vaccine?
The new flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, is based on mRNA technology—the same technology used to develop the COVID-19 vaccines given to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. mRNA technology works by giving your cells temporary instructions to make a harmless piece of a virus. This triggers an immune response, helping your body recognize and fight the virus if you're exposed later.
The FDA granted full approval for mFLUSIVA for adults ages 50 and older. For adults age 65 and older, the vaccine received accelerated approval. This means more research is underway to confirm how well it performs in this age group.
Is the mRNA flu shot better than the regular flu shot?
Possibly. In a Phase 3 trial of the mRNA-1010 flu vaccine (mFLUSIVA), mFLUSIVA was 26.6% more effective at preventing flu compared to a licensed standard-dose flu vaccine. Among adults age 65+, the relative vaccine efficacy was 27.4% higher. mFLUSIVA performed better against each of the three flu strains studied: H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria.1
What’s more, the mRNA technology in the new flu vaccine means it can be updated more quickly if new flu strains emerge.
“Having a flu vaccine that does not have to go through the archaic process of using chickens and eggs will benefit the public health enormously,” said Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, the chief executive of the American Public Health Association, told The New York Times. “It will allow us to rapidly adjust to rapidly emerging new flu strains, a capacity we have not had before.”
When will the new mRNA flu vaccine be available?
mFLUSIVA is expected to become available at select locations during the 2026-2027 flu season, but availability and insurance coverage are still being worked out.
Who can get the mRNA flu vaccine?
The FDA approved mFLUSIVA for adults age 50 and older. The approval uses traditional approval for adults ages 50-64 and accelerated approval for adults age 65 and older, with additional research underway to confirm its clinical benefit in the 65+ population.
What are the 2026-2027 flu vaccine recommendations?
As of August 14, 2026, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet published its final 2026-2027 seasonal flu vaccine recommendations, though routinely recommends a seasonal flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older.
If you have questions about which vaccines are best for you or when to get them, talk to your doctor.
For older adults and people with chronic conditions, the annual flu vaccine is a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of serious flu illness and complications. Here are some flu facts to help explain why getting your vaccine is so important.
The importance of flu shots for older adults
The single best way to reduce your risk from flu and possibly serious complications is to get the flu shot every year. Here are some flu facts to help explain why getting your vaccine is so important.
What is influenza, or flu?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus is different from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID—and two different vaccines are required for protection. People who have had the COVID vaccine or are planning to be vaccinated against COVID can safely get the flu shot this year and every year.
Although they are caused by different viruses, there are some similarities between COVID and flu. Just like COVID, flu is easily passed from person to person when someone coughs, talks, or sneezes. You can also catch the flu virus from recently contaminated surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose.
How serious is getting the flu?
During the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits reached a 15-year high.2 According to CDC, there were more than 710,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 45,000+ deaths during this timeframe.3 The flu and pneumonia were the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2025, up from 11th a year earlier.4
While each flu season differs in severity, during most seasons, people 65 and older bear the greatest burden of disease. CDC estimates that between 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in older adults.5
What are the symptoms of flu?
Some symptoms of flu are similar to the common cold, like sneezing, cough, sore throat, and chest discomfort. But flu usually starts more suddenly, and symptoms are much more severe than the common cold. Flu symptoms also include fever, body aches, chills, headaches, and feeling tired.
People often ask, “Can you get the flu from the flu shot?” No, you cannot. The flu shot is made from inactive (dead) virus that can't cause influenza infection. But you may get brief, mild side effects from the flu vaccine that can feel almost flu-like.
Why are older adults at higher risk for flu?
The increased risk for people age 65 and older is due in part to a natural decline in immune response that comes with age. Older adults with chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), are at highest risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu.
Because of age-related changes in their immune systems, people 65 years and older may not respond as well to vaccination as younger people. But although immune responses may be lower in older people, studies have found that the flu vaccine has been effective in reducing the risk of doctor visits and hospitalizations due to the flu.
What’s more, high-dose vaccines and the adjuvanted flu vaccine can help bridge immunity gaps for older adults.
Why are flu shots needed every year?
Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses. That’s where the new mRNA flu vaccine offers a leg up—it can be updated even faster to match circulating viruses.
But even when the flu vaccine isn’t a perfect match, experts agree it still provides meaningful protection, especially against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. No vaccine guarantees you won’t get sick, which is why vaccination works best alongside other preventive steps like staying home when ill and practicing good hygiene, particularly for older adults.
It’s also important to note that immunity against the flu virus decreases over a year. That means annual vaccination is needed to make sure everyone has the best possible protection.
Because immunity may decrease more quickly in older people, it is especially important that older adults are not vaccinated too early, like in July or August.
CDC recommends specific flu vaccines for people age 65 and older. These vaccines are:
- Fluzone high-dose seasonal flu vaccine
- Flubok recombinant flu vaccine
- Fluad adjuvanted flu vaccine
Studies have shown these vaccines trigger a better immune response in older adults than the traditional flu vaccine. If you are 65 or older, ask for one of these vaccines when you are getting your flu shot from your doctor, pharmacists, or a vaccine clinic. If one of these vaccines is not available or will not be available soon, a traditional flu shot is recommended.
What about the pneumococcal vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal infections (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia) that can cause severe illness and death. CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than five years and adults 50 years or older, as well as for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
| Since pneumonia is a common complication of the flu in older adults, getting the pneumococcal vaccine is another important way you can protect yourself from severe flu illness and hospitalization. |
Talk to your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for you. If you are not up to date on your pneumococcal vaccine, you can get that vaccine when you get your flu shot.
Does Medicare cover vaccines?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers the flu, COVID, and pneumococcal vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs to Medicare beneficiaries.
Schedule your flu shot today
According to CDC, the best months for most people to get vaccinated against the flu are September and October. But even if it’s later in the season and you haven’t received your flu shot, it’s not too late. Flu season typically peaks in February, but it can last right through March as well.
It's important to note that it takes about two weeks after the flu shot to develop antibodies or protection against the virus.
"At NCOA, we urge everyone, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to talk with their health care provider about their personal risk and get their flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines,” said Dorothea Vafiadis, NCOA Senior Strategist for Healthy Aging. “Vaccination can provide added assurance during cold and flu season and help you stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where can I get a flu shot?
Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and urgent care centers in your area. The CDC website can help you find a convenient location to get your flu, COVID, and/or RSV shot. You can also check with your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging to see if there are vaccine clinics in your area.
Who is most at risk for severe flu?
Anyone can become very ill from the flu, but some people have an elevated risk of serious illness and complications. This includes adults age 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes or cancer) or weakened immune systems.
How do you know if you have the flu?
Unlike a common cold, flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Since flu symptoms can be similar to COVID and other respiratory illnesses, getting a flu test can help you know for sure.
How is the flu treated?
Most people with mild flu can get better at home with rest, plenty of fluids, and treatment to relieve symptoms. Prescription antiviral medications (e.g., Tamiflu) can make flu symptoms a bit milder and shorten the illness and are generally advised for people who face a higher risk of severe disease. Antivirals work best when started within a couple of days of getting sick.
Sources
1. CIDRAP. Moderna announces promising efficacy results from mRNA flu vaccine trial. June 30, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/moderna-announces-promising-efficacy-results-mrna-flu-vaccine-trial
2. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations During a High Severity Season — Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network, United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season. September 11, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7434a1.htm
3. CDC Flu Burden. 2024–2025 Influenza Season Summary: Severity, Disease Burden, and Burden Prevented. March 12, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/flu-burden/php/data-vis-vac/2024-2025-prevented.html
4. National Vital Statistics System. Mortality in the United States: Provisional Data, 2025. July 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr044.pdf
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu & People 65 Years and Older. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
Is It Flu or COVID?
While flu and COVID-19 share many similarities, they are distinct illnesses with different causes, complications, and treatments.
