FDA panel backs first-of-its-kind flu vaccine using mRNA technology

June 19, 2026 - 00:54

A new kind of flu vaccine moved a step closer to the U.S. market Thursday. An advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration voted overwhelmingly in favor of approving the first influenza shot built on messenger RNA technology, the same platform used in the most widely distributed COVID-19 vaccines.

The committee's recommendation, which is not binding but typically guides the FDA's final decision, marks a significant shift in how seasonal flu protection could be manufactured. Unlike traditional egg-based or cell-based flu shots, the mRNA approach allows scientists to design the vaccine quickly by using the virus's genetic code. This speed could prove critical during a severe flu season or a pandemic, as it bypasses the months-long process of growing the virus in eggs.

During the meeting, panel members reviewed data from a late-stage trial involving thousands of adults. The results showed the mRNA vaccine generated a stronger immune response against certain influenza strains compared to existing shots, though questions remained about its durability over a full season. Some experts also noted a slightly higher rate of mild side effects, such as injection site pain and fatigue, which were similar to those seen with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

If the FDA grants full approval, the vaccine would be available for the next flu season, offering adults an alternative to the standard annual shot. The agency is expected to issue its final decision within weeks.