FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine, the first to use the technology

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna's new seasonal influenza vaccine, marking the first time a flu shot utilizing messenger RNA technology has been licensed for use. The approval, announced by the drugmaker on Wednesday, specifically authorizes the vaccine for older adults.

The decision follows an initial pushback from the agency, which had previously refused to even review Moderna's application. The regulatory stance reversed course following a public outcry and an earlier reversal in February involving the FDA's head of biologics at the time.