Health Canada Reviews New mRNA Flu Vaccine That Could Reduce Hospitalisations

OTTAWA, October 13, 2026 — Health Canada is reviewing a new messenger RNA (mRNA) influenza vaccine developed by Moderna that could offer stronger protection against seasonal flu and help reduce hospitalisations among older adults.

The vaccine, known as mFlusiva, has already received approval in the United States and is awaiting a regulatory decision in Canada. According to reports published this week, clinical trial results suggest that the vaccine may provide better protection against influenza than conventional flu shots. <Cite refs={["turn506254search0","turn506254search1"]}/>

What Is the New mRNA Flu Vaccine?

The new vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, which became widely known through some COVID-19 vaccines.

Rather than relying on the traditional production process used by many influenza vaccines, mRNA vaccines deliver instructions that help the body's cells produce a target protein. The immune system then learns to recognise that protein and prepare a response against the virus.

Moderna developed mFlusiva to protect against seasonal influenza. Researchers hope that this approach could improve vaccine effectiveness and make the manufacturing process more flexible when flu viruses change from one season to another.

However, the vaccine's performance and availability in Canada remain subject to the regulatory review.

Clinical Trial Shows Improved Protection

A clinical trial involving more than 40,000 adults aged 50 and older compared the mRNA vaccine with a conventional influenza vaccine.

According to the published report, the mRNA vaccine demonstrated approximately 27 per cent greater relative efficacy against influenza than the conventional vaccine used in the study. Around 2 per cent of participants receiving the mRNA vaccine reported flu-like illness, compared with 2.8 per cent among those receiving the conventional shot. <Cite refs={["turn506254search0","turn506254search1"]}/>

These results are encouraging, but the distinction between relative efficacy and absolute risk is important. The findings do not mean that the vaccine prevents 27 per cent of all flu cases or guarantees protection against hospitalisation.

The results also need to be considered alongside the trial's design, safety findings and the populations included in the study.

Could the Vaccine Prevent More Hospitalisations?

Seasonal influenza can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions.

Some patients develop complications that require hospital treatment. These may include pneumonia, worsening of existing heart or lung conditions and other serious respiratory problems.

A vaccine that prevents more influenza infections could help reduce the number of people who become seriously ill. However, the reported improvement in vaccine efficacy should not automatically be interpreted as a proven reduction in hospital admissions.

Further evidence and real-world monitoring will help determine how much additional protection the new vaccine offers against severe disease.

Why mRNA Technology Matters

One potential advantage of mRNA vaccines is their manufacturing flexibility.

Traditional influenza vaccines often rely on processes involving chicken eggs or cell cultures. Producing vaccines through these methods can take time, while mRNA platforms may allow manufacturers to adapt production more quickly.

Reports indicate that mRNA vaccines can potentially be manufactured within two to three months, although actual timelines depend on production capacity, regulatory requirements and the specific vaccine. <Cite refs={["turn506254search0","turn506254search1"]}/>

Faster production could be useful when researchers need to respond to changes in circulating influenza strains. Nevertheless, manufacturing speed alone does not determine how effective a vaccine will be during a particular flu season.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

As with other vaccines, mRNA influenza vaccines can cause temporary side effects.

Reported common reactions include pain at the injection site, fatigue and headaches. The overall safety profile must be assessed using clinical trial results and continued monitoring after approval.

People considering vaccination should discuss individual medical questions with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly if they have a history of serious allergic reactions or other relevant health concerns.

The fact that a vaccine uses mRNA technology does not, by itself, establish whether it is more or less suitable for a particular individual.

When Could the Vaccine Become Available in Canada?

The vaccine was submitted to Health Canada in late 2025, and a regulatory decision is expected in 2026, according to published reports. <Cite refs={["turn506254search0","turn506254search1"]}/>

If authorised, its availability could depend on provincial and territorial decisions, procurement arrangements, pricing and vaccination programme recommendations.

Until Health Canada completes its review, the vaccine should not be described as approved or routinely available in Canada.

Why Annual Flu Vaccination Still Matters

Influenza viruses change over time, and protection from vaccination can decrease. This is why public health authorities continue to recommend seasonal flu vaccination for eligible people.

Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that influenza vaccination be offered annually to people aged six months and older who do not have a contraindication. Particular attention is given to groups at higher risk of complications or hospitalisation. <Cite refs={["turn506254search4","turn506254search5"]}/>

The arrival of a new vaccine would add another development to influenza prevention, but it would not remove the need for ongoing surveillance, public health guidance and evidence-based vaccination decisions.

Conclusion

Health Canada's review of Moderna's mFlusiva mRNA flu vaccine could mark an important development in seasonal influenza prevention in Canada.

Early clinical findings suggest improved protection against influenza compared with a conventional vaccine in the studied population. Whether that improvement translates into fewer hospitalisations will require careful assessment of the evidence.

For now, Canadians should follow official public health guidance while regulators evaluate the vaccine's benefits, risks and potential role in future flu seasons.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Regulatory status and availability may change as Health Canada's review progresses.