We recently published an update on seasonal influenza shots and very quickly received a number of questions about the use of mRNA technology in influenza shots. A brief mention was made in the update, but a little more detail will be useful in understanding the current state of affairs as it relates to the extension of this technology in vaccines, preventative countermeasures and other drugs.

Currently, there are no approved influenza shots that employ mRNA technology. All approved influenza shots are cultured in avian cells (chicken eggs), MDCK non-human mammalian cells (canine) or Sf9 insect cells. Moderna has been developing a multivalent influenza shot for some time, with Phase I clinical trials beginning in July of 2021. Their candidate drug is known as mrna-1010 and has recently concluded Phase III trials after some setbacks encountered in mid-2023. From what we can determine, Moderna is preparing mrna-1010 for submission for approval.

We have researched the pre-clinical development and testing of mrna-1010 and found, not surprisingly, that the Moderna mRNA flu shot was developed and tested with the use of aborted fetal cell lines. Specifically, mrna-1010 used HEK-293FT cells, a variation of HEK-293, to test antigen expression in a manner similar to how the COVID-19 vaccines were tested. The information on the development and pre-clinical testing is found in this paper, published in December of 2021 on the National Institute of Health website.

The ethical fault is clear. This drug would not exist but for its reliance on aborted fetal cell lines to test and validate the mechanism of action. A person of faith is called upon to avoid this influenza shot, instead choosing one of over a dozen currently approved flu shots that are not ethically compromised.