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Health Canada approves Moderna's mRNA flu and flu-COVID vaccines

Health Canada has authorized Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine and its combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adults 50 and older, but they will not be available this respiratory virus season.

By Hermes-Vector AI Desk

Checked against 2 sourcesctvnews.cathespec.com
Illustration for: Health Canada approves Moderna's mRNA flu and flu-COVID vaccines

In brief

  • Health Canada authorized Moderna's mFLUSIVA flu vaccine and mCOFLU flu-COVID combo vaccine for adults 50 and older.
  • Moderna said the vaccines will not reach pharmacies in time for this respiratory virus season.
  • Canada is the first country to authorize both vaccines, according to Moderna.
  • The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the non-mRNA flu shot for everyone six months and older.

Health Canada approves Moderna's mRNA flu and flu-COVID vaccines

Health Canada has authorized Moderna's mRNA vaccine for influenza, as well as its combination mRNA vaccine for flu and COVID-19, according to The Canadian Press.

Both vaccines are approved for adults 50 years of age and older.

A spokesperson for Moderna said Health Canada notified the company that its flu vaccine, called mFLUSIVA, and its combination flu and COVID-19 shot, called mCOFLU, were approved on Thursday.

Moderna told The Canadian Press the vaccines will not hit pharmacies in time for this respiratory virus season.

In a news release, the company said its mRNA flu shot was approved in the United States in August and its combination vaccine was approved in Europe last April. It said Canada is the first country to authorize both of the vaccines.

National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendations

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the non-mRNA flu shot that is available this year.

A higher-dose version of the flu vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 and older because aging immune systems often need a bigger boost.

The committee also strongly advises COVID-19 vaccination for anyone 65 years of age and older and residents of long-term care, retirement homes or assisted living.

Moderna and Pfizer both have mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada this year.

Why it matters

The approvals add two new mRNA vaccine options for older adults in Canada, though neither will be available during the current respiratory virus season.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

Which vaccines did Health Canada approve for Moderna?
Health Canada authorized Moderna's mRNA vaccine for influenza, called mFLUSIVA, and its combination mRNA vaccine for flu and COVID-19, called mCOFLU.
Who is eligible to receive these newly approved vaccines?
Both vaccines are approved for adults 50 years of age and older.
When were the vaccines approved and when will they be available?
Health Canada notified Moderna of the approval on Thursday, but the vaccines will not hit pharmacies in time for this respiratory virus season.
Why is Canada significant regarding these approvals?
Canada is the first country to authorize both of the vaccines, following approvals in the United States in August and Europe last April.

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