FDA succeeds in approving new flu vaccine: CEI comment

The FDA has approved a flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the same technology used for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, the company announced on August 5. The new vaccine has reportedly been approved for adults ages 50 and over for the 2026-2027 flu season.

CEI health policy expert Jeremy Nighohossian praised the FDA for green-lighting the vaccine through the notoriously slow and expensive regulatory process:

“The FDA deserves credit for approving the first mRNA flu vaccine. Innovation in medicine shouldn’t stand still, and neither should the regulatory process. mRNA technology has already demonstrated its ability to transform vaccine development, and applying it to seasonal influenza will give patients more options and faster vaccines.

“The technology holds significant promise for future breakthroughs, including personalized cancer vaccines and other treatments currently under development. The more medicines Americans have access to, with the freedom to decline, the better for everyone. The FDA should continue supporting scientific progress and ensuring that regulation keeps pace with advances in medical technology.”