Health Canada OKs Moderna’s mRNA flu, flu-COVID shots

TORONTO – Health Canada has authorized Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for influenza and its combination mRNA vaccine for flu and COVID-19, but neither will reach pharmacies in time for this respiratory virus season.

A Moderna spokesperson told The Canadian Press the company was notified of the approvals Thursday. The flu vaccine is called mFLUSIVA and the combination shot is called mCOFLU.

In a news release, Moderna said its mRNA flu shot was approved in the United States in August and the combination vaccine was approved in Europe last April. The company said Canada is the first country to authorize both vaccines.

For this season, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that everyone aged six months and older get the non-mRNA flu shot already available. Adults 65 and older are advised to get a higher-dose version, because aging immune systems often need a bigger boost.

The committee also strongly advises COVID-19 vaccination for people 65 and older and for residents of long-term care, retirement homes and assisted living. Moderna and Pfizer both have mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada this year.

For what is available now, see our guides to flu shot dates by province and the fall 2026 COVID vaccine rules, and our explainer on the RSV vaccine for adults.

Source: The Canadian Press, Nov. 5, 2026. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association; CP is solely responsible for this content.

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