Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine (quadrivalent-influenza-modrna-vaccine)

This quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine uses messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a specific protein, targeting influenza A subtype viruses and influenza B viruses.

The Quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine, developed by Pfizer, holds a significant market position as a leading influenza vaccine, with 51 approved indications and the potential to be the world's best-selling drug. Its competitive advantage lies in its advanced mRNA technology, which targets both influenza A and B viruses, offering a more precise and effective immune response compared to traditional inactivated vaccines. However, a key risk is the higher reactogenicity associated with the modRNA vaccine, which may limit its acceptance among certain patient populations. Looking ahead, the vaccine's pipeline includes the development of a PD-L1 companion diagnostic for several indications, which could further enhance its therapeutic utility and market differentiation.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

The quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine works by using messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a specific protein. This protein is then recognized by the immune system, which mounts a response to protect against future infections. The vaccine is designed to provide protection against multiple strains of the influenza virus, including A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B viruses. By targeting these specific strains, the vaccine can help prevent the spread of influenza disease.

Approved indications

• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating
• Prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2) and influenza B viruses in individuals 6 months of age and older, when the same vaccine virus strains are circulating

Common side effects

• Injection site pain (PAIN)
• Fatigue (FATIGUE)
• Headache (HEADACHE)
• Myalgia (MUSCLE PAIN)
• Chills (CHILLS)
• Arthralgia (JOINT PAIN)
• Diarrhoea (DIARRHEA)
• Injection site swelling (SWELLING)
• Injection site erythema (REDNESS)
• Pyrexia (FEVER)
• Injection site pain
• Injection site pain (PAIN AT THE INJECTION SITE)

Drug interactions

• Live, attenuated influenza vaccines
• Other vaccines

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Pfizer portfolio CI