mRNA and Next-Generation Vaccine Platforms for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

Pandemic influenza remains a persistent global threat with the potential to cause widespread morbidity, mortality, and economic disruption. Despite decades of preparedness efforts, current influenza vaccine systems remain constrained by long production timelines, early strain-selection requirements, and limited flexibility once a pandemic is underway. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped expectations for vaccine development and deployment, demonstrating that platform-based technologies, particularly messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, can deliver safe and effective vaccines at unprecedented speed when supported by regulatory readiness, manufacturing capacity, and coordinated public-private investment. Drawing on lessons from COVID-19, recent Phase III clinical trial data for seasonal influenza mRNA vaccines, and global preparedness initiatives such as the 100 Days Mission, this expert perspective examines how mRNA and other next-generation vaccine technologies could strengthen preparedness for a future influenza pandemic. It reviews evidence related to platform speed, clinical performance, manufacturing adaptability, regulatory pathways, and global access, while also highlighting emerging scientific frontiers, including artificial intelligence-augmented immunogen design and innovations in vaccine delivery. It argues that sustained investment in adaptable vaccine platforms, coupled with advances in delivery, manufacturing, and data-driven design, will be critical to improving global readiness and reducing the impact of the next influenza pandemic.