Vaccines & Immunity Brief

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Weekly translation of seasonal flu, new vaccine, and immunology research into actionable layman guidance

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-07-06

Flu shots just got clearer

This week’s article leads with the new Pediatrics study showing strong estimated protection against pediatric flu death, then translates current CDC flu surveillance into practical fall planning for families. It also explains why families should not wait for Moderna’s pending mRNA flu shot decision, how same-day flu/COVID vaccination safety data affects scheduling, and what to check next for measles, H5 bird flu, and ACIP-related coverage uncertainty.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-06-29

Don't wait on flu-shot politics

This week’s article explains why families should not delay routine vaccine planning while ACIP remains stalled, translating the Lackland flu outbreak, FluView Week 24, Moderna’s mRNA flu-vaccine evidence, measles trends, Iowa’s HPV consent change, and new immunology research into practical next steps.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-06-22

mRNA flu shot wins 9-0 — and August 5 is the date your family needs to know

The FDA's expert advisory panel voted unanimously on June 18 — twice, 9-0 — to recommend Moderna's first mRNA flu vaccine MFLUSIVA for adults 50 and older, setting an August 5 approval deadline that could put it in pharmacies this fall. But a court injunction keeps the CDC's ACIP committee frozen, leaving insurance coverage uncertain even if FDA approves. Measles hit 2,104 confirmed cases this week and is 184 short of the 2025 annual record; FluView confirms flu is at its summer floor with 182 pediatric deaths for the season; and Iowa families have nine days before a new law removes minors' ability to self-consent for HPV and hepatitis B vaccines.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-06-15

mRNA flu shot hits FDA panel Wednesday

The FDA's expert advisory committee votes Wednesday on Moderna's MFLUSIVA — the first mRNA flu vaccine candidate to reach this stage in the US — with an August 5 approval deadline that could put it in pharmacies this fall. Measles hit 2,073 confirmed cases, climbing steadily toward a historic annual record. A Stanford study of 402 people explains precisely why flu shots work less well as we age and why the high-dose upgrade matters. Plus: ACOG breaks with CDC on pregnancy vaccines, and Iowa's parental-consent law kicks in July 1.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-06-08

Measles crosses 2,000 — and three new studies change the fall vaccine math

The US hit 2,030 confirmed measles cases in just five months — faster than all of 2025. A Texas MMWR outbreak report explains why 96% vaccination coverage still wasn't enough. On flu: Week 21 is quiet at the summer floor, but the final 2025–26 pediatric death toll rose to 179. Three new studies change the fall vaccine math: FluMist shedding may last up to 7 days, adults born 1957–1985 show the lowest H1N1 vaccine effectiveness of any birth cohort, and Shingrix can be given same-day as flu and COVID shots. Moderna's mRNA-1010 VRBPAC hearing is June 18. Six actions to take right now.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-06-01

Flu Season Final Toll — and the Policy Fight Ahead

The 2025-26 flu season closed at 174 pediatric deaths (85% unvaccinated). Two weeks of major policy upheaval: a May 29 Executive Order on the childhood vaccine schedule, a new ACIP charter that still leaves the committee paralyzed under a March court stay, 29 states going their own way, and the FDA setting June 18 as the VRBPAC hearing date for Moderna's mRNA flu shot — with an August 5 approval deadline that could put it on pharmacy shelves this fall. Five actions to take now.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-05-18

ACIP in Limbo, a New mRNA Flu Shot, and Your Cat Could Be a Bird Flu Risk

The 2025-26 flu season ends with 166 pediatric deaths — 85% unvaccinated. This week: ACIP is still paralyzed (threatening fall vaccine coverage), Moderna's mRNA flu shot beats standard doses by 26.6% in a landmark NEJM trial, a federal court blocks Kennedy's childhood schedule overhaul, and CDC confirms the first-ever cat-to-human H5N1 transmission. Five actions to take now.

Vaccines & Immunity Brief2026-05-17

Flu Season's Toll: 166 Deaths and What's Next

The 2025–26 flu season closed with 166 confirmed pediatric deaths and a near-total H3N2 vaccine mismatch. This week: what the CDC's final FluView data means for your family, Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine FDA drama, an H5N5 bird flu case standard tests missed, and 4 specific actions to take right now.

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