There’s a big change for this year’s flu shot: When should you be vaccinated?

NewsThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new flu vaccine for people age 50 to 64. Canva Stock ImageSome adults will have a new option when it comes to flu shots this year.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new flu vaccine for people age 50 to 64. The Moderna-made vaccine is the first influenza shot to use mRNA technology. Unlike traditional flu vaccines that are made with an inactivated virus grown in eggs or cells, mmRNA vaccines use a small bit of genetic code that prompts the body to produce a harmless virus protein, triggering an immune response, Harvard Health pointed out.The mRNA vaccine can be updated and produced much faster than standard vaccines, a key advantage given the flu vaccine is updated annually to target each season’s strain. The vaccine, mFLUSIVA, is expected to be available this flu season.READ MORE: COVID levels on the rise in 47 states, schools in 2 states close to slow the spreadWhen should you get your flu shot?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for almost all people ages 6 months and older. It is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe illness from the flu.In general, people should get their flu vaccines in September to October to allow for protection during peak flu season in December to February. The end of October is generally considered the recommended deadline for the flu vaccine, though vaccinations are recommended as long as the virus is circulating.You can see more on flu vaccine timing here.Leada Gore is a Senior Managing Producer for the Advance Local trending team, covering finance, government and consumer issues. She worked as a Managing Producer for AL.com, starting at the site in 2013 as the...