SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Black adults 50 and older have a new flu vaccine option, but choosing a shot requires understanding what the research shows—and what it does not.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna’s mFLUSIVA on Aug. 5, 2026, for adults 50 and older. Approval for those 65 and older used an accelerated pathway requiring additional research to confirm clinical benefit.
The vaccine uses messenger RNA to instruct cells to make influenza proteins that trigger an immune response. It does not contain live influenza virus.
The issue matters for Black communities. A CDC study covering the 2009–2019 flu seasons found Black people had the highest age-adjusted flu hospitalization rates overall. That finding does not establish that this vaccine works better specifically in Black adults.
In a trial involving 40,703 vaccinated participants, laboratory-confirmed symptomatic influenza occurred in approximately 2% of mFLUSIVA recipients versus 2.8% receiving a standard-dose comparator.
That represents 26.6% relative efficacy compared with that vaccine—not a 26.6-percentage-point difference or proof of superiority over every flu shot.
Injection-site pain, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches were more frequent with mFLUSIVA; most reactions were temporary and mild to moderate.
Adults 65 and older should discuss the distinction between FDA approval and CDC recommendations. CDC guidance reviewed Oct. 20, 2026, preferentially recommends Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok or Fluad for that age group; mFLUSIVA is not listed among those preferred products.
“Vaccination should continue after October and throughout the influenza season,” CDC advises, while recommending vaccination by October’s end when possible.
For Huntsville-area readers, a pharmacist or clinician can review age, chronic conditions, previous vaccine reactions, product availability and insurance coverage.
Ask which vaccine is recommended for you and whether it is in stock. Avoid delaying an appropriate flu vaccination while waiting for a particular brand.