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The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the first mRNA flu vaccine, enabling use of a technology that will make it easier to rapidly target a widely prevalent or particularly virulent strain of the virus. The approval of the vaccine, called mFLUSIVA, which is manufactured by Moderna, follows a series of blows to mRNA research directed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including the cancellation of 22 projects meant to develop vaccines with mRNA technology through the government’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. (Jewett, 8/5)

Vaccine maker Moderna said late last week that a phase 3 trial for its investigational mRNA norovirus vaccine candidate did not meet statistical criteria for early success. But the trial will continue. (Dall, 8/3)

As vaccine hesitancy continues to rise, fueling a record-breaking resurgence of measles, among other public health threats, an online tool launched this week aims to help people better understand vaccine safety. The free and interactive tool -- called "What's the Risk?" -- was created by the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) and Unbiased Science. (Henderson, 8/5)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging the organization may have promoted childhood vaccines for financial gain. According to a Wednesday announcement from Paxton’s office, the investigation centers on whether the nation’s largest professional association of pediatricians issued vaccine recommendations influenced by financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies rather than scientific evidence. (Taylor, 8/5)