An mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna was 27 percent more effective at preventing influenza infections than a standard flu shot, the company announced this week.

The biotechnology company’s messenger RNA flu vaccine candidate showed positive results in a late-stage trial.

Moderna is preparing to test Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tougher vaccine policies with a combination flu-COVID shot. The question is whether it gets approved for both viruses. Why it matters: The company this week reported positive late-stage safety and efficacy results for a flu shot called mRNA-1010 that would provide the basis for the combo jab.