Moderna’s new mRNA flu vaccine is expected to become available in the coming weeks.
The FDA has approved Moderna’s mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults ages 50–64 and granted accelerated approval for adults 65 and older, with additional study required in the older population. The vaccine was nearly 27% more effective against seasonal flu than a standard flu vaccine in clinical trial data, although the FDA notes that it has been associated with higher rates of temporary injection-site pain and fatigue.
A GW expert could discuss:
- How mRNA flu vaccines differ from traditional influenza vaccines
- Why mRNA technology could potentially allow manufacturers to respond more quickly when circulating flu strains change
- What the clinical data show about the vaccine’s effectiveness and side effects
- What adults 50 and older should consider when deciding which flu vaccine to receive
- What the new vaccine’s approval means for the future of influenza vaccination
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.
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-