The Food and Drug Administration's top vaccine advisory committee voted unanimously today to recommend Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults 50 and over.This was its first time reviewing a new vaccine application since 2023.The vote by the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, or VRBPAC, is a step towards what may be the first vaccine filed and approved under the second Trump administration despite sustained criticism of vaccines from President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.Indeed, last year, Kennedy pulled back almost $500 million in contracts to develop mRNA vaccines."It's such a breath of fresh air, considering what we've gone through with Robert F.
Kennedy Jr." says Dr.Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and former committee member of the FDA panel that voted Thursday.In February, the FDA declined to review Moderna's application for the mRNA flu vaccine but then reversed its decision two weeks later after criticism.Messenger-RNA, or mRNA, provides instructions for the body to produce flu antigens to develop immunity.
Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine includes microscopic doses of mRNA for three to four strains of the flu — totaling about the same weight that a fingerprint leaves on a mirror.Want the latest stories on the science of healthy living? Subscribe to NPR's Health newsletter.Researchers used the technology to develop the COVID-19 vaccine – another reason why Kennedy has been critical of its use during the pandemic with vaccine mandates.In addition to the flu vaccine providing potentially stronger protection, many public health and infectious disease experts are excited about the shot because mRNA vaccines can be produced much more reliably and quickly — and potentially faster than traditional flu vaccines.That could make the mRNA vaccine far more effective when a new flu strain suddenly emerges.While some public co...