FDA Approves Moderna's mFLUSIVA Flu Shot for Adults 50+ Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Q: Despite common misconceptions, why is an egg allergy no longer considered a valid reason to skip your annual flu vaccination?

An egg allergy is no longer considered a reason to skip a flu shot because current CDC guidance says people with egg allergy can receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine, including egg-based and non-egg-based products. That reflects years of evidence showing the risk of a serious allergic reaction from the tiny residual egg protein in flu vaccines is extremely low. Health authorities now treat egg allergy differently from a true contraindication, such as a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine itself or to a specific vaccine ingredient. The flu vaccine landscape has also broadened. Some vaccines are made without eggs, including recombinant and newer technologies such as Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for older adults, while others are made in eggs but remain safe for most egg-allergic patients. Even the CDC’s broader consumer guidance now states plainly that egg allergy alone is not a reason to avoid any flu vaccine. What matters is the nature of the past reaction. Someone who has had a severe reaction to a prior flu shot, or has a known severe allergy to another vaccine component, should speak with a clinician about the safest option. But for people whose concern is egg allergy alone, the public-health message is straightforward: they should still get their annual flu vaccination.

3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Sep 16

Moderna's mFLUSIVA became a new flu-shot option for adults 50 and older after FDA approval, adding an mRNA vaccine ahead of the 2026-27 season.
CDC-backed guidance still urges nearly everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated between September and late October, since protection takes about two weeks and flu activity usually peaks from December to February.
Last season's toll—about 32 million illnesses and 24,000 deaths in 2025-26—underscores the push to vaccinate before winter.
This season's recommended trivalent vaccines target three expected strains: influenza A H1N1, influenza A H3N2 and influenza B.
mFLUSIVA's reported side effects are similar to other vaccines, while children under 6 months and people with severe vaccine-related allergies are among those advised to consult doctors or avoid flu shots.