U.S. Missile Supplies Running Low, and FDA May Approve a New Flu Shot
From shrinking weapons stockpiles to a new kind of flu vaccine, here are the top stories shaping the news today.
The United States military is running low on some of its most important long-range missiles after fighting in the war with Iran, NPR has confirmed. Officials say the country still has enough weapons for right now, but rebuilding the supply takes many years. Experts warn that low stockpiles could put the U.S. and its allies at risk in future conflicts.
The missiles in short supply are called PrSMs and ATACMs. These precision weapons can hit targets hundreds of miles away, which means American pilots do not have to fly close to dangerous enemy positions. A U.S. official confirmed the shortage to NPR but asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The supply of Patriot missiles has also fallen sharply — dropping by two-thirds since the war began. Patriots are the main tool the U.S. uses to shoot down drones and missiles in the Middle East. Each Patriot costs about $4 million and takes a long time to manufacture and replace.
The shortage also puts U.S. allies at risk. Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia, urgently needs more Patriot missiles. If stockpiles are not rebuilt soon, both the U.S. and the countries it supports could be left with fewer defenses.
The FDA is reviewing a new flu vaccine from Moderna called mFlusiva, which uses the same mRNA technology as COVID-19 vaccines. It teaches the body's immune system to fight the flu by building antibodies before the virus ever arrives. A study of more than 40,000 people found the vaccine is safe and more effective than regular flu shots for adults 50 and older.
Some people are skeptical of mRNA vaccines because of misinformation and anger over COVID-19 vaccine requirements during the pandemic. However, a panel of independent FDA advisers voted unanimously to recommend approving mFlusiva back in June. One major advantage is that mRNA vaccines can be updated and produced much faster than traditional ones, which helps scientists respond to new flu strains quickly.
"This could be life-saving. This is just one of those things that has to be taken to trusted adults."
Comprehension quiz preview
1. Which two types of precision missiles did the U.S. nearly use up during the war with Iran?
2. By how much has the U.S. supply of Patriot missiles shrunk since the war began?
3. What did the large study of Moderna's mFlusiva vaccine find?