mRNA is success against seasonal Flu      Publish Date : 13/09/2026

Is mRNA is success against seasonal Flu

                                                                      Dr. Divayanshu Sengar and Mukesh Sharma

First mRNA vax strongest shot against seasonal flu-

The US FDA has cleared the first influenza vaccine using mRNA technology, also used to make Covid-19 vaccines, for older adults. Though it's not approved for use in India yet, the new shot is seen to be more effective against rapidly changing strains.

What's the new shot?

Called mFlusiva, it's been developed by US pharma company Moderna and approved for 50-64 year olds. An mRNA vaccine (a tech used to develop some Covid shots, like Pfizer's) sends genetic instructions that prompt the body to replicate viral protein, which in turn creates the immune response.

  • 40,000+ adults aged 50+ participated in late-stage trial of new vaccine  27% fewer influenza cases were reported among mFlusiva recipients compared with those receiving a regular flu vaccine

                     What makes it better?

                 Regular flu vaccine VS     mRNA flu shot

Produced by growing flu viruses in eggs or cells

Uses gene commands instead of growing large quantities of virus

Take at least six months to make

Can be produced in six weeks, be redesigned

Flu strains must be selected months before season begins

Does not need egg- or cell-based spread of virus

Viruses may evolve during production period

May allow selection of strains closer to flu season

Mismatch can reduce vaccine effectiveness

Could be better match with circulating strains

Egg-based production may introduce changes in vaccine virus

Faster updating is a potential advantage

Side effects

  • Pain at jab site, fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches

"The mRNA vaccine platform takes forward the conversation around flexibility, speed. But influenza in India doesn't follow a single script. Activity peaks in the north during winter and in several other regions during monsoon. Any new tech needs to be suitable to our seasonal patterns”.

Writer: Dr, Divyanshu Sengar, Medical Officer Pt. Pyare Lal Sharma, District Hospital Meerut.