Florida pharmacies and clinics are now offering updated flu and COVID vaccines for the 2026-27 respiratory illness season, though some may be harder to find.
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Floridians can expect to find the new Moderna mRNA flu shot, mFLUSIVA, at some of their local pharmacies in the next few weeks, but not all.
“It started shipping out over the weekend (following FDA release of lots), so it should be available in stores imminently,” said Christopher Ridley, a Moderna spokesman.
The new vaccine’s mRNA technology, the same platform as Moderna’s COVID shots, provides about 27% more coverage against influenza than traditional flu vaccines, according to a study of 40,000 adults ages 50-64. The technology allows it to be updated more quickly to match circulating virus strains. An mRNA vaccine is one that is lab-produced that teaches your body how to fight off an illness versus a standard vaccine, which is made by using a weakened live version of a virus.
However, because Moderna missed the early contracting cycle for the standard U.S. flu vaccine rollout, you may have to hunt for it. Moderna said shipping to major pharmacies will scale up progressively throughout the fall.
Moderna has created a Vaccine Finder to locate its flu and COVID vaccines by ZIP code.
Most major pharmacies in Florida have not committed to carry Moderna’s mFLUSIVA this respiratory illness season.
“We’ll continue to evaluate Moderna’s new vaccine, as we do with all our offerings, to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said CVS spokeswoman Roslyn Guarino. ” We are not offering the mRNA flu vaccine currently.”
Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis said: “The mRNA flu vaccine is not yet available. Our Publix Pharmacy offers the standard vaccine, as well as one of the preferentially recommended vaccines for ages 65+.”
Robin Edie, a Walmart spokesperson, said: “We do not currently offer the mFLUVISA vaccine, but customers can speak with their local Walmart pharmacist about recommended vaccinations.” Walmart pharmacies are giving out the traditional flu shots.
Walgreens likely will be the first in Florida to offer mFLUSIVA.
“Walgreens will offer the new mRNA flu vaccine in limited quantities this season. Availability will vary by location. Patients interested in receiving the vaccine are encouraged to speak with their local Walgreens pharmacist for more information,” a spokesperson said.
The new mFLUSIVA vaccine is not made with eggs, giving people with egg allergies another option. Side effects reported during the trials included arm soreness, headache, chills, and temporary fatigue. Those occurred slightly more frequently with mFLUSIVA than with traditional flu shots.
Traditional flu shots
Medical groups are urging Americans to get vaccinated for the flu after two difficult respiratory seasons. Last year, the dominant strain differed from previous years, so Americans had less natural defense against it.
“We did have a really, really stressful and tough flu season last year,” said Julie Caldwell, Walgreens senior manager of immunizations. “You can’t predict what’s going to happen from season to season, so the best advice is to get protected.”
Experts agree that almost everyone starting at age 6 months benefits from a flu vaccine. However, flu is particularly concerning for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people of any age who have chronic health problems. During the 2024-2025 flu season, about 45,000 people in the United States lost their lives.
The seasonal influenza vaccines don’t block all flu infections, but they do help prevent hospitalizations, especially for those most at risk, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group based at the University of Minnesota.
On average, flu vaccines reduce the risk of needing to see a doctor by 30% to 60%, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This year’s traditional flu shots cover three seasonal flu strains, and five manufacturers offer them.
If you are shot-averse, you can choose a nasal spray, FluMist, if you’re ages 2 to 49 and meet other health criteria.
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The CDC recommends three preferred types of high-dose shots for adults 65 and older: Fluad (Adjuvanted), Fluzone High-Dose, or Flublok (Recombinant). Studies show all three high-dose shots perform significantly better than standard-dose flu vaccines at preventing hospitalization and severe illness in older adults.
The mRNA flu vaccine hasn’t been fully studied in the 65+ group. However, it was granted accelerated approval for that age group after producing a stronger immune response than traditional vaccines, with similar rates of severe side effects. Moderna is conducting more studies to see how it stacks up against existing high-dose vaccines for adults in that age range.
Walgreens’ Caldwell says her pharmacies, for now, will recommend the higher dose of the traditional flu vaccine for customers 65 and older. “That’s the CDC recommendation as well for patients 65 plus,” she said.
Dr. T’Anjuihsien Marx, MDNow’s regional medical director for North Broward and Palm Beach County, said his clinics already have begun giving flu shots to patients. “For now, we are sticking with traditional flu shots, the tried and true,” he said.
When to get the flu shot
Experts say late September or October are the best times to get vaccinated for influenza, which typically starts spreading in November. Flu vaccines typically take a few weeks to reach full protection.
Marx said he prefers late mid- to late-October. “It’s a guessing game when the flu season is going to hit, but I feel like October gives a better chance to take you through the whole season, especially if we get a late surge in February or March,” he said.
What to know about this year’s COVID shots
This year, the FDA has formally approved COVID vaccines for higher-risk people — those ages 65 and older, or younger people with at least one health condition that increases their risk. However, medical groups recommend them for people 19 or older and say those 65 or older should get a second dose after six months.
The fall COVID-19 vaccines have an updated formula targeting XFG, the dominant circulating strain. The Vaccine Integrity Project said last fall’s COVID-19 shots cut the risk of hospitalization by 53% in seniors and slashed emergency room visits for very young children.
Depending on age, people can choose a COVID shot and seek a pharmacy that offers it.
Four types of shots have been approved:
- Pfizer’s COMIRNATY COVID-19 vaccine for those 5 years and older.
- Moderna’s SPIKEVAX for those 6 months and older.
- Moderna’s mNEXSPIKE, a lower-dose Moderna shot approved for ages 12 and older.
- Novavax’s NUVAXOVID, a non-mRNA vaccine, for those 12 years and older.
Not all pharmacies and clinics will carry the Novavax vaccine but the company does have a vaccine locator. Caldwell said Walgreens will offer all types, but the Novavax shot will be available only at certain locations. “People can go into our scheduler and select what they want or say no preference,” she said.
Should you get an RSV vaccine?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, typically is a cold-like nuisance during the fall, winter and early spring. But it can be severe, even life-threatening, for infants and older adults.
RSV caused an estimated 2.8 million to 5.8 million outpatient visits, between 170,000 and 340,000 hospitalizations and as many as 25,000 deaths last year in the United States, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 who are at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems.
This season, there are three RSV vaccines: GSK, Pfizer, and Moderna.
Caldwell said if you haven’t received the RSV vaccine, it’s just one dose, so consider getting that along with your COVID and flu shot in one visit.
Cost and incentives
Medicare covers the fall shots and most private health insurers say they plan to continue doing so through 2027. Most pharmacies take appointments or walk-ins.
As an added benefit, several retailers are offering coupons with vaccinations. Patients who get a vaccine at Walgreens can earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on their next in-store purchase of $5 or more as a myWalgreens® member. CVS offers a $5-off-$20 coupon after vaccination and Publix offers a $5 digital gift card after you receive your free flu shot. Walmart does not offer gift cards, cash bonuses, or rewards points for getting immunizations.
South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at [email protected].
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