
mFlusiva
MFlusiva is an mRNA vaccine used to prevent the flu (influenza). It's approved for adults 50 years and older. MFlusiva is given as a single injection into the shoulder muscle by a trained healthcare professional. It can be given once each flu season. Common side effects are injection site pain, muscle pain, tiredness, and headache.
What is MFlusiva?
What is MFlusiva used for?
- Prevention of the flu (influenza)
How MFlusiva works
MFlusiva is an mRNA vaccine. It contains lab-made mRNA (genetic information). This piece of mRNA teaches your body to make a protein found on the influenza virus.
Your immune system recognizes this protein as something that doesn't belong in your body. This causes your immune system to make antibodies and other defenses against it.
Afterwards, your immune system remembers what this flu protein looks like. If you're exposed to a matching flu strain later, your immune system can respond faster.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Mflusiva |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | mRNA vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of MFlusiva
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Injection site pain
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Chills
- Underarm swelling or tenderness
Less Common Side Effects
- Injection site swelling or hardness
- Injection site redness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
MFlusiva serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling around the lips or eyes, hives, dizziness, fast heartbeat
The following MFlusiva side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- General discomfort and fatigue
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Loss of appetite
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Pros and cons of MFlusiva
Pros
- An option if you prefer mRNA vaccine technology
- Made without eggs or preservatives
Cons
- Only approved for adults 50 years and older
- Often causes injection-site soreness and tiredness
Pharmacist tips for MFlusiva
- Get MFlusiva every flu season. Flu viruses change and protection can fade over time, so you should get an updated flu vaccine each year. It takes about 2 weeks for your immune system to build protection after vaccination.
- Stay at the vaccination site for as long as your vaccinator recommends after they gave you mFlusiva. It's possible to faint after getting a vaccine. Staying a bit can help your care team protect you from a fall.
- It's common to feel some soreness in your arm after you get mFlusiva. This usually gets better in a few days. You can try gently moving your arm often after your shot to help reduce soreness.
- Other common side effects from mFlusiva are tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, and chills. These also tend to be mild or moderate and last a few days. If you have these side effects, be sure to rest and take it easy. Call your prescriber if side effects don't go away or become bothersome.
- Getting a flu vaccine, such as mFlusiva, is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. But you can still get sick after getting vaccinated. You can take other steps to lower your chances of getting or spreading the flu. Wash your hands often and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Also try to avoid close contact with people who are sick and clean surfaces that are touched often.
Risks and warnings for MFlusiva
MFlusiva can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of a severe allergic reaction to mFlusiva or one of its ingredients
Serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can happen after mFlusiva is given. This reaction can cause hives, swelling of your face or throat, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness.
Your vaccinator might ask you to stay for a short time after you get mFlusiva so they can watch for allergic reactions. The vaccination site should have treatment available in case one happens.
Tell your vaccinator right away if you notice any symptoms while you're there. If symptoms start after you leave, get medical help right away.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
- Risk factors: GBS within 6 weeks after a previous flu vaccine
It's not clear whether flu vaccines, including mFlusiva, cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). If there is an increased risk, it's very small. GBS is a rare condition where the immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause tingling, muscle weakness, or trouble walking. More serious cases can cause trouble swallowing or breathing or an irregular heart rate.
Tell your prescriber if you've had GBS within 6 weeks of a previous flu vaccine. They can help decide if mFlusiva is right for you. Get medical help right away if you have new or quickly worsening weakness, tingling, or trouble breathing.
Fainting after vaccination
- Risk factors: History of fainting after an injection
Fainting can happen after you get an injectable vaccine, including mFlusiva. You might feel lightheaded, dizzy, or suddenly lose consciousness. If you faint, you could get hurt in a fall.
Tell your vaccinator if you've fainted after any injections before. They can help you sit or lie down and watch you after they give you the mFlusiva shot. Get help right away if you get hurt after fainting or if you don't quickly recover.
Weaker immune response in people with a weak immune system
- Risk factors: Weakened immune system | Taking immunosuppressive medications
If you have a weakened immune system, your immune system might not respond as strongly to mFlusiva. This means you might have less protection against the flu after vaccination.
Tell your vaccinator about your health conditions and medications before getting mFlusiva. Certain health conditions, such as HIV or cancer, can weaken your immune system. Some medications, like high-dose steroids or transplant medications, can have a similar effect. Your care team can talk with you about other ways to help protect yourself from the flu.
MFlusiva dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.38ml of | 1 syringe | $150.43 | $150.43 |
Typical dosage for MFlusiva
The typical dose is 1 injection (0.38 mL) given into a muscle by a trained healthcare professional. It's given as a single dose once each flu season.
How much does MFlusiva cost?
$150.43
What are alternatives to MFlusiva?
News about MFlusiva


