It is difficult to believe that flu season is just around the corner. All the seasonal influenza vaccines available for the 2026–2027 season are updated trivalent formulations designed to protect against three specific virus strains (two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain). 

There is one new option this year: Moderna has developed an mRNA vaccine called mFLUSIVA. One advantage of an mRNA vaccine is a faster manufacturing timeline, which means it can be updated closer to the beginning of flu season, which may allow for a more accurate match against currently circulating strains. This vaccine is fully approved for ages 50-64, and received accelerated approval for those over age 65. In clinical trials of over 40,000 adults, mFLUSIVA demonstrated a 26.6% increase in relative vaccine effectiveness compared to standard-dose flu vaccines. It also showed higher rates of temporary side effects (sore arm, fatigue, muscle aches, headache) than standard-dose inactivated influenza shots. It is expected to be available in the coming weeks.

COVID Vaccines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines from manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna designed to target the currently circulating XFG variant. Doses are rolling out across the U.S. and are expected to be available for administration in the coming days. 

Current CDC Eligibility Guidelines

-  Ages 65 and Older: Fully eligible for the updated vaccine.

-  Ages 6 Months to 64 Years: Eligible if you have at least one underlying medical condition or risk factor (such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, or chronic heart/lung conditions) that increases the risk of severe COVID-19.

-  Without Risk Factors: Individuals aged 6 months to 64 years without qualifying conditions may receive the vaccine depending on specific state regulations, off-label availability, or a healthcare provider's prescription.

- Immunocompromised Individuals: People with moderate to severe immunocompromise may receive additional doses

New Therapy: There is a new medication called Xocova that lowers the chance of getting sick with COVID-19 after close contact with an infected individual.  In clinical trials, it reduced the risk of symptomatic infection by 67%. It must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure, and is taken as a 5-day regimen. 

RSV Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine for older adults (>75 years), pregnant individuals, and infants through specific immunizations. It is also recommended for those 50-74 years old who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness (such as those with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, or residents in nursing homes). The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccination. If you have received a dose previously, you do not need another dose annually.

Please feel free to reach out to the Ashland Board of Health at 508-532-7922 if you have any questions or concerns.