FDA Panel Unanimously Backs Moderna mRNA Flu Vaccine

A unanimous FDA advisory panel vote for the first mRNA flu vaccine is a landmark public health development affecting hundreds of millions of Americans who get flu shots annually, with added significance given the political controversy that preceded the vote.

The Morning Brief Desk · Friday, June 19, 2026 · How the Brief is made

Sources: Ars Technica, AP News, The Hill

An FDA advisory panel voted unanimously Thursday to recommend approval of Moderna’s mRNA-based flu vaccine for older adults — the first flu shot built on the same technology platform used in COVID-19 vaccines. The full FDA typically follows such recommendations. Final approval would make mRNA flu shots available to the more than 150 million Americans who receive flu vaccines annually.

The vote follows a delayed review. A Trump administration official blocked the agency from reviewing the vaccine in February, raising concerns about political interference in drug approvals. Thursday’s result: unanimous. mRNA vaccines instruct cells to produce a protein that trains the immune system — a faster, more flexible process than traditional flu shots grown in eggs. Researchers hope the platform lets manufacturers update vaccines more quickly as flu strains shift each season.

Sources

Ars Technica
FDA advisors unanimously vote to approve Moderna’s mRNA after agency drama
In February, a Trump official refused to review the vaccine. Now an FDA advisory panel has voted unanimously to recommend Moderna’s mRNA-based flu vaccine.
AP News
FDA panel considers new type of flu shot using mRNA technology
U.S. health advisers are debating a new kind of flu vaccine made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hill
FDA panel recommends mRNA flu vaccine for older adults
A first-of-its-kind flu shot is one step closer to being available to the public after a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted Thursday to recommend Moderna’s mRNA-based vaccine for older adults.

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