Flu season is an important time for older adults to take steps to protect themselves from flu and its complications. Each year, flu vaccines are updated to better match the viruses expected to circulate, and several vaccine options are available for older adults. The 2026-2027 flu season is almost upon us. And just in time, there’s an exciting new advancement in flu prevention.

On August 5, 2026, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Moderna's mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine available in the U.S. for adults age 50 and older. The vaccine received traditional approval for adults ages 50 to 64, and accelerated approval for adults age 65 and older.

mFLUSIVA at a Glance

What flu vaccines are available for older adults?

There are several flu vaccine options for the 2026–2027 season, including standard-dose, high-dose, adjuvanted, recombinant, and mRNA vaccines.

For adults age 65 and older, CDC recommends Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, or Fluad. The 2026-2027 AAFP adult immunization guidance also recommends preferential use of an enhanced vaccine, including high-dose, adjuvanted, recombinant, or mRNA vaccines, when available.

mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine approved in the U.S., is available for adults age 50 and older. For adults 65 and older, it is included among the enhanced vaccine options in AAFP's guidance.

What is the new mRNA flu vaccine?

The new flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, is based on mRNA technology—the same technology used to develop the COVID-19 vaccines given to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. mRNA technology works by giving your cells temporary instructions to make a harmless piece of a virus. This triggers an immune response, helping your body recognize and fight the virus if you're exposed later.

The FDA approved mFLUSIVA for adults age 50 and older. Its approval for adults ages 50 to 64 is based on clinical efficacy data, while its approval for adults age 65 and older was granted through an accelerated approval pathway. Additional research is underway to confirm clinical benefit in adults 65 and older.

How does the mRNA flu vaccine compare with a standard flu shot?

In a Phase 3 clinical trial of more than 40,000 adults age 50 and older, mFLUSIVA was 26.6% more effective than a standard-dose flu vaccine at preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza. The study included adults ages 50 to 64 and adults 65 and older.¹

mFLUSIVA also differs from many traditional flu vaccines in how it is manufactured. It is an mRNA vaccine and does not require growing influenza viruses in eggs. mRNA technology allows vaccines to be manufactured more quickly, potentially giving manufacturers greater flexibility when selecting influenza strains for future seasonal vaccines.

Who can get mFlusiva and where is it available?

mFLUSIVA is now available for the 2026-2027 flu season. Moderna has begun shipping doses to pharmacies, but availability can vary by location and pharmacy. Check with your local pharmacy or health care provider to find out whether mFLUSIVA is available near you.

For adults age 65 and older, mFLUSIVA is one of several enhanced flu vaccine options. CDC recommends Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, or Fluad for people in this age group. The AAFP also includes mRNA vaccines among its preferred enhanced vaccine options for adults 65 and older when available. There isn't one flu vaccine that's right for everyone. Talk with your health care provider about your age, health history, and available vaccine options to determine which vaccine is appropriate for you.

What are the 2026-2027 flu vaccine recommendations?

In a Sept. 1, 2026 update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that for the 2026–2027 flu season, the previous seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations stay in effect. CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine has been fully updated for 2026–2027 to better match the flu strain that spread widely last season.

"Flu can make anyone sick, but older adults are at higher risk for serious outcomes from respiratory viruses," said CAPT Simon Agolory, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases' Acting Chief Medical Officer. "Vaccination is a critical tool to help reduce the risk of severe outcomes from flu and other respiratory viruses. Talk with a healthcare provider to learn what options are available to help keep you safe during this year’s respiratory virus season."  

The importance of flu shots for older adults

Getting a flu vaccine each year can help reduce your risk of flu and its complications. Here are some flu facts to help explain why getting your vaccine is so important.

What is influenza, or flu?

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus is different from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID—and two different vaccines are required for protection. People who have had the COVID vaccine or are planning to be vaccinated against COVID can safely get the flu shot this year and every year.

Although they are caused by different viruses, there are some similarities between COVID and flu. Just like COVID, flu is easily passed from person to person when someone coughs, talks, or sneezes. You can also catch the flu virus from recently contaminated surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose.

How serious is getting the flu?

During the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits reached a 15-year high.² According to CDC, there were more than 710,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 45,000+ deaths during this timeframe.³ The flu and pneumonia were the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2025, up from 11th a year earlier.⁴

While each flu season differs in severity, during most seasons, people 65 and older bear the greatest burden of disease. CDC estimates that between 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in older adults.⁵

What are the symptoms of flu?

Some symptoms of flu are similar to the common cold, like sneezing, cough, sore throat, and chest discomfort. But flu usually starts more suddenly, and symptoms are much more severe than the common cold. Flu symptoms also include fever, body aches, chills, headaches, and feeling tired.

People often ask, “Can you get the flu from the flu shot?” No, you cannot. The flu shot is made from inactive (dead) virus that can't cause influenza infection. But you may get brief, mild side effects from the flu vaccine that can feel almost flu-like.

Why are older adults at higher risk for flu?

The increased risk for people age 65 and older is due in part to a natural decline in immune response that comes with age. Older adults with chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), are at highest risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu.

Because of age-related changes in their immune systems, people 65 years and older may not respond as well to vaccination as younger people. But although immune responses may be lower in older people, studies have found that the flu vaccine has been effective in reducing the risk of doctor visits and hospitalizations due to the flu.

What’s more, high-dose vaccines and the adjuvanted flu vaccine can help bridge immunity gaps for older adults.

Why are flu shots needed every year?

Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses. mFLUSIVA uses mRNA technology, which can allow the vaccine to be manufactured more quickly than traditional flu vaccines. This may give manufacturers more flexibility when selecting influenza strains for future seasonal vaccines.

But even when the flu vaccine isn’t a perfect match, experts agree it still provides meaningful protection, especially against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. No vaccine guarantees you won’t get sick, which is why vaccination works best alongside other preventive steps like staying home when ill and practicing good hygiene, particularly for older adults.

It’s also important to note that immunity against the flu virus decreases over a year. That means annual vaccination is needed to make sure everyone has the best possible protection.

Because protection can decrease over time, CDC recommends that most people get vaccinated in September or October. Older adults should generally avoid vaccination in July or August unless later vaccination may not be feasible.

CDC recommends specific flu vaccines for people age 65 and older. These vaccines are:

• Fluzone high-dose seasonal flu vaccine
• Flubok recombinant flu vaccine
• Fluad adjuvanted flu vaccine

mFLUSIVA is also FDA-approved for adults age 65 and older. The AAFP's 2026-2027 guidance includes mRNA vaccines among the enhanced flu vaccine options it preferentially recommends for adults 65 and older when available. If you're considering mFLUSIVA or another flu vaccine, talk with your health care provider about which option is appropriate for you. If a preferred vaccine isn't available, the AAFP guidance advises not delaying vaccination while waiting for one.

What about the pneumococcal vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal infections (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia) that can cause severe illness and death. CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than five years and adults 50 years or older, as well as for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Talk to your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for you. If you are not up to date on your pneumococcal vaccine, you can get that vaccine when you get your flu shot.

Does Medicare cover vaccines?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers FDA-approved seasonal flu vaccines for people with Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs when coverage requirements are met. For adults age 65 and older, Medicare Part B coverage of influenza vaccines is a statutory benefit and does not depend on an ACIP recommendation.

For adults ages 50 to 64, coverage for mFLUSIVA may vary by health plan. If you're in this age group, check with your health plan to confirm coverage before getting vaccinated.

Schedule your flu shot today

According to CDC, the best months for most people to get vaccinated against the flu are September and October. Older adults should generally avoid vaccination in July or August, since protection may weaken later in the season. But even if it’s later in the season and you haven’t received your flu shot, it’s not too late. Flu season typically peaks in February, but it can last right through March as well.   

It's important to note that it takes about two weeks after the flu shot to develop antibodies or protection against the virus.

"At NCOA, we urge everyone, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to talk with their health care provider about their personal risk and get their flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines,” said Dorothea Vafiadis, NCOA Senior Strategist for Healthy Aging. “Vaccination can provide added assurance during cold and flu season and help you stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is the new mRNA flu vaccine available now?
Yes. mFLUSIVA is now available for the 2026-2027 flu season for adults age 50 and older. Availability may vary by pharmacy and location, so check with your local pharmacy or health care provider. You can also use Moderna's vaccine finder to search for locations where it may be available.

Can adults 65 and older get the mRNA flu vaccine?
Yes. mFLUSIVA is approved for adults age 65 and older, as well as adults ages 50 to 64. CDC also preferentially recommends Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, or Fluad for adults 65 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you.

Which flu vaccine is best for older adults?
There are several flu vaccine options for adults age 65 and older. CDC recommends Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, or Fluad for this age group. The AAFP's 2026-2027 guidance also includes mRNA vaccines among the enhanced flu vaccines it preferentially recommends for adults 65 and older when available. Talk with your health care provider about your health history, vaccine options, and which flu vaccine is right for you.

Where can I get a flu shot?
Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and urgent care centers in your area. The CDC website can help you find a convenient location to get your flu, COVID, and/or RSV shot. You can also check with your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging to see if there are vaccine clinics in your area.

Who is most at risk for severe flu?
Anyone can become very ill from the flu, but some people have an elevated risk of serious illness and complications. This includes adults age 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes or cancer) or weakened immune systems.

How do you know if you have the flu?
Unlike a common cold, flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Since flu symptoms can be similar to COVID and other respiratory illnesses, getting a flu test can help you know for sure.

How is the flu treated?
Most people with mild flu can get better at home with rest, plenty of fluids, and treatment to relieve symptoms. Prescription antiviral medications (e.g., Tamiflu) can make flu symptoms a bit milder and shorten the illness and are generally advised for people who face a higher risk of severe disease. Antivirals work best when started within a couple of days of getting sick.

Should you get vaccinated if you've already had COVID or the flu?
Yes, getting vaccinated is recommended as another layer of protection even if you recently had COVID-19 or the flu before vaccination. If you recently had COVID you might consider waiting about 3 months after your infection before getting a vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider about best timing for you.

For flu, more than one influenza virus circulates during most influenza seasons. Getting sick with flu caused by one influenza virus does not provide protection from other influenza viruses that may be spreading during the season. CDC recommends yearly flu vaccination for most people because influenza viruses change and protection decreases over time.

Sources

1. CIDRAP. Moderna announces promising efficacy results from mRNA flu vaccine trial. June 30, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/moderna-announces-promising-efficacy-results-mrna-flu-vaccine-trial

2. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations During a High Severity Season — Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network, United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season. September 11, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7434a1.htm

3. CDC Flu Burden. 2024–2025 Influenza Season Summary: Severity, Disease Burden, and Burden Prevented. March 12, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/flu-burden/php/data-vis-vac/2024-2025-prevented.html

4. National Vital Statistics System. Mortality in the United States: Provisional Data, 2025. July 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr044.pdf

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu & People 65 Years and Older. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm