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Sam's News — health — 2026-08-06

TL;DR

Health

FDA approves Moderna mRNA flu vaccine

The FDA approved Moderna's mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older ahead of the 2026-2027 flu season — a reversal after regulators initially rejected the shot earlier this year.

  • Approved August 5, 2026; full approval for ages 50-64, accelerated approval for 65+
  • Phase 3 trial of 40,805 adults across 11 countries showed 26.6-27% greater efficacy than standard-dose flu vaccines
  • Covers the four most common flu strains; more frequent mild-to-moderate side effects than current vaccines
  • FDA had issued a refusal-to-file letter in February 2026 after Vinay Prasad overturned staff's recommendation
  • FDA reversed course within a week after Moderna objected; Prasad left the agency in late April
  • Approval comes despite HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s opposition to mRNA vaccines and his 2025 cancellation of ~$500 million in mRNA vaccine funding

Sources: Engadget Research, STAT News RSS

Moderna mRNA flu vaccine approved by FDA despite initial review refusal

The FDA approved Moderna's seasonal influenza mRNA vaccine after initially refusing to review it.

Sources: Engadget RSS, STAT News RSS

First mRNA flu vaccine approved in first breakthrough in immunization

Moderna's mRNA influenza vaccine became the first licensed flu shot using messenger RNA technology.

Sources: STAT News RSS

Nearly half of dementia cases linked to modifiable risk factors

A long-term brain study found smoking, high blood pressure, heart disease, and high blood lipids are strongly linked to vascular dementia damage.

Sources: ScienceDaily RSS, ScienceDaily — Health RSS

Takeda narcolepsy drug approved by FDA

The FDA approved Takeda's novel treatment for narcolepsy, backing a new drug class for treating sleep disorders.

Sources: STAT News RSS

THC medication helps PTSD patients escape recurring trauma nightmares

A prescription THC treatment helped more than one-third of PTSD patients eliminate trauma-related nightmares after ten weeks.

Sources: ScienceDaily — Health RSS

Air pollution triggers rheumatoid arthritis flares

Tiny pollution particles from smoke, soot, and dust may worsen rheumatoid arthritis and raise the risk of painful flares.

Sources: ScienceDaily — Health RSS

Fecal microbiota transplant shows promise for peanut allergy treatment

A small trial shows poop pills containing fecal microbiota helped some participants improve peanut allergy tolerance.

Sources: STAT News RSS

Policy

Erica Schwartz confirmed as CDC director

Erica Schwartz was confirmed as CDC director, filling a nearly year-long vacancy since the president of the United States took office.

Sources: STAT News RSS

Senate committee votes to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress

A Senate committee voted along party lines to hold former NIAID director Anthony Fauci in contempt for declining to answer questions about his COVID-19 role.

Sources: STAT News RSS