Moderna's flu vaccine offers significant protection for older adults
- Moderna's mRNA-1010 flu vaccine was tested in adults 50 and older and showed 26.6% more protection than standard flu vaccines.
- The Phase 3 study highlighted improved results in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above.
- Moderna aims to work with health regulators for potential approval of the vaccine, addressing the ongoing need for effective flu vaccines.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of vaccine technology, particularly highlighting the potential of mRNA vaccines. On July 1, 2025, Moderna announced promising results from its Phase 3 study testing a new flu vaccine known as mRNA-1010. This vaccine, which is based on the same mRNA technology that propelled the company's COVID-19 shot to success, demonstrated enhanced efficacy compared to standard flu vaccines. The trial focused primarily on adults aged 50 and older, providing strong evidence that the mRNA platform can advance influenza vaccination strategies. In the study, mRNA-1010 yielded a notable 26.6% increase in protection against the flu overall, with even greater efficacy of 27.4% observed in adults aged 65 and over. These findings are particularly significant considering the heightened severity of the recent flu season, which underscores the urgent need for more effective vaccines to combat influenza. Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, emphasized the potential advantages of an mRNA-based flu vaccine, stating it could allow for more precise matching with circulating influenza strains and facilitate rapid responses during future pandemic events. Additionally, the vaccine could pave the way for combination vaccines that address both influenza and COVID-19. Moderna's trial results indicated that the new vaccine was beneficial across various demographics, including individuals with different health conditions and those who had received prior flu vaccinations. Furthermore, Moderna is actively collaborating with health regulators to pursue the next steps for the potential approval of mRNA-1010. As public interest in mRNA technology remains high, Moderna's findings have even positively impacted the company's stock, although it still faces scrutiny regarding vaccine regulations amid shifting political landscapes. The upcoming medical conference will provide a platform for Moderna to unveil full data from the trial, which will soon be followed by the publication of results in a peer-reviewed journal, fostering transparency and continuing discussions on flu vaccination protocols.