By Sumayya
TORONTO — Health Canada has officially approved Moderna’s mRNA shot for the flu, along with its combination mRNA shot that protects against both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
Both of these brand-new shots are approved for use by adults who are 50 years of age and older.
However, representatives from Moderna told reporters that these specific shots will not arrive at local pharmacies in time for the current winter sickness season.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization currently advises that every individual who is six months of age and older should receive the traditional, non-mRNA flu shot that is being given out this year.
A stronger, higher-dose model of the flu shot is advised for adults who are 65 years of age and older. This is because older body defense systems frequently require a larger helpful boost.
The advisory group also strongly encourages getting a COVID-19 shot for any individual who is 65 years of age and older, as well as people living inside long-term care facilities, retirement villages, or assisted living houses. Both Moderna and Pfizer have their regular mRNA COVID-19 shots available across Canada this year.
A representative for Moderna stated that Health Canada informed the business that its standalone flu shot—named mFLUSIVA—and its two-in-one flu and COVID-19 shot—named mCOFLU—received their official approval on Thursday.
In a public announcement, the firm shared that its mRNA flu shot was previously approved in the United States back in August, while its combination shot was given approval in Europe last April.
The company added that Canada stands as the very first nation in the world to give official approval to both of these medical shots.
