By: Advika Anand
Graphics Editor
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines have become widely known and used in technology beyond COVID. Pharmacists have developed new vaccines, and in some cases, the FDA has already approved them to fight seasonal flu, respiratory viruses like RSV, and possibly even combinations of diseases in a single shot.
One important development is Moderna’s seasonal flu vaccine, mRNA-1010. In a Phase 3 clinical trial, involving over 40,000 adults aged 50 and older, mRNA-1010 proved more effective than a standard licensed flu vaccine. According to Moderna, mRNA-1010 offered a 26.6% increase in relative vaccine efficacy compared with a standard-dose flu shot. For adults 65 and older, the improvement was similar. Experts say that higher efficacy could reduce hospitalizations and protect older adults during severe flu seasons.
In 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration approved mRESVIA, also known as mRNA-1345, a vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus. That makes it the first mRNA vaccine approved in the US for a disease other than COVID. Companies are also working on combined mRNA vaccines such as mRNA-1083, which targets both flu and COVID-19. These combination vaccines could make it easier for people to receive protection against multiple viruses in a single visit to the doctor. Clinical trials suggest that immune responses from combination vaccines are strong and comparable to taking separate shots.
The arrival of mRNA flu and RSV vaccines could reshape how people in the United States approach yearly vaccinations. Adults may soon have access to more reliable protection, and combination vaccines could reduce the need for multiple injections. Regulators still need to review and clear some vaccines, and approval depends on demonstrating safety and effectiveness. Some experts question how much better mRNA flu vaccines will be in the real world, where virus strains evolve, and populations vary. The public’s trust will determine whether mRNA vaccines become widely accepted or remain a niche option. Health officials are also considering strategies to educate the public and address vaccine hesitancy.
The rapid rise of mRNA vaccines beyond COVID represents a change in the way infectious diseases are fought in the US. mRNA-based flu shots, RSV vaccines, and combination vaccines could become part of regular health care, providing stronger protection against common illnesses and changing the way Americans view vaccination. Researchers are exploring how mRNA technology could eventually target other diseases, including certain types of cancer. Pharmaceutical companies are also investing in global distribution strategies to make these vaccines more accessible beyond the US.
(Sources: ACCESS Newswire, Ars Technica, Benzinga, CIDRAP, CNBC, Moderna Inc, RTT News, US Pharmacist)