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The greatest challenge to preventing the next influenza pandemic is the extensive diversity within the influenza virus family ( 1 ). At present, 20 lineages of influenza A and B viruses have been identified, each containing numerous strains ( 2 , 3 ). Current influenza vaccines, composed of four influenza viral antigens, provide little protection beyond the viral strains targeted by the vaccines. Universal influenza vaccines that can protect against all 20 lineages could help to prevent the next pandemic ( 4 ). Designing and manufacturing a vaccine that can provide such broad protection has been challenging, but the demonstration of the feasibility of mRNA–lipid nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccines offers a possible strategy ( 5 ). On page 899 of this issue, Arevalo et al. ( 6 ) report an influenza vaccine, using mRNA–lipid nanoparticle technology incorporating representatives of all 20 influenza virus lineages, that protected mice and ferrets from diverse influenza viruses. This provides a pathway to a universal influenza vaccine.