Research shows the new vaccine technology provides 27% more coverage against influenza than traditional flu vaccines.
"You can make better, quicker antibodies that last longer. And those are things that you need to have to help you stay healthy," said Dr. Sharon Nachman of Stony Brook Children's Hospital.
Doctors also said the mRNA vaccine can be updated more quickly than traditional flu vaccines, taking days or weeks instead of months to produce.
"And so, from that point of view, there's much less likely to be a mismatch between the flu vaccine and the current, circulating flu strains. That's a big deal," said Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious disease at Northwell Health.
The new vaccine is not made with eggs, giving people with egg allergies another option.
The technology is similar to that used in current COVID-19 vaccines, which have faced some public skepticism. However, research shows the vaccine is associated with typical moderate side effects, including arm pain and temporary malaise.
"That's your immune system tuning up and saying, great, let's make antibodies," Nachman said.
Public reaction to the new vaccine was mixed.
"I mean, I'm a little skeptical," one person said.
Another said, "I have no objection to it, if it's recommended by my doctor."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older. Children are not yet approved to receive the mRNA flu vaccine and will continue to receive traditional flu shots.
For adults 65 and older, doctors recommend discussing the mRNA vaccine and higher-dose traditional flu vaccines with their physician.
Doctors emphasized that while flu vaccines are not perfect, they can help prevent hospitalization and death. Their message is straightforward: any flu vaccine is better than none.
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