An mRNA Flu Vaccine Hits the Market — Public Health On Call

About this episode:

For the first time ever, mRNA flu shots are available this respiratory virus season for adults age 50 and older, offering an opportunity to create vaccines better tailored to certain strains of the virus. Moderna's mFLUSIVA was approved by the FDA this summer and is available in some pharmacies. In this episode: Vaccine expert Anna Durbin explains how the vaccine works, discusses the current data on its safety and efficacy, and reflects on the quest for a universal flu vaccine.

Guest:

Dr. Anna Durbin is a professor of International Health and the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research.

Host:

Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.

Show links and related content:

New mRNA Flu Vaccine Makes This Flu Season 'One to Watch'—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
August 5, 2026 Clinical Review - MFLUSIVA—FDA
How Influenza (Flu) Vaccines Are Made—CDC
How Flu Viruses Can Change: "Drift" and "Shift"—CDC
The Long History of mRNA Vaccines—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
A Guide to Fall Vaccines for People Who Are Immunocompromised and Those Who Care For Them—Public Health On Call (September 2026)

Transcript information:

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