A key FDA advisory committee has unanimously recommended approval of Moderna's mRNA-based influenza vaccine for adults 50 and older, potentially paving the way for the world's first mRNA flu shot.
The vaccine, mFlusiva, was found to be approximately 27% more effective than a standard flu vaccine in a late-stage clinical trial. If ultimately approved by the FDA and recommended by federal health officials, it could represent a significant advancement in influenza prevention, particularly for older adults, who account for the majority of flu-related hospitalizations each year.
Experts from the George Washington University are available to discuss:
- How mRNA technology differs from traditional flu vaccine production methods
- Whether faster vaccine development could improve strain matching and vaccine effectiveness
- The potential benefits and limitations of mRNA flu vaccines for older adults
- What the FDA advisory committee's recommendation means—and what hurdles remain before the vaccine becomes available
- The broader implications for vaccine innovation amid ongoing political scrutiny of mRNA technology
- What this development could mean for future seasonal and pandemic influenza preparedness
If you are interested in scheduling an interview with a GW expert please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Elizabeth Choma is a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing.
Jennifer Walsh is a clinical assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing and primarily teaches pediatrics and health assessment.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Asefeh Faraz Covelli is an associate professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the GW School of Nursing.
April Barbour is an internist with The GW Medical Faculty Associates and an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Mia Marcus is an associate clinical professor at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences and a primary care provider at Medical Faculty Associates.
Maria Portela Martinez is an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Science and a family medicine physician.
David Diemert is the clinical director of the GW vaccine research unit and professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
-GW-