2026 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines: What You Need to Know
The Ever-Changing Influenza Vaccine
Influenza vaccines are a dynamic field, constantly evolving to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of influenza viruses. This is why annual vaccination is crucial. The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) plays a pivotal role in this process, meticulously reviewing and evaluating the latest epidemiological, antigenic, and genetic data of influenza strains circulating in Australia and the southern hemisphere. This data-driven approach ensures that the vaccines are tailored to combat the most prevalent strains, making them highly effective.
2026 Recommendations
For the 2026 southern hemisphere influenza season, the AIVC has made recommendations based on the latest research and the World Health Organization's guidelines. This year, two new strains have been introduced: A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). The egg-based trivalent influenza vaccines will contain:
- A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
Cell-based trivalent vaccines will include:
- A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/Sydney/1359/2024 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
B/Yamagata Lineage Update
The WHO has recommended discontinuing the B/Yamagata lineage component in seasonal influenza vaccines due to its absence from circulation for several years. This decision is supported by the AIVC and aligns with the ATAGI statement on transitioning from quadrivalent to trivalent vaccines in Australia.
Co-Administering Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines
You can safely receive both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day. Studies confirm the safety and effectiveness of this co-administration. For detailed information, visit the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) website.
Registered Influenza Vaccines for 2026
Seven influenza vaccines will be available for the 2026 season in Australia, catering to various age groups:
- AstraZeneca FluMist (2 years to less than 18 years)
- Sanofi-Aventis Fluzone (6 months and over)
- Fluzone High-Dose (HD) (60 years and over)
- Vaxigrip (6 months and over)
- Seqirus Fluad (50 years and over)
- Flucelvax (6 months and over)
- Viatris Influvac (6 months and over)
FluMist: A Nasal Vaccine
FluMist, a live attenuated influenza vaccine administered nasally, is new to the Australian market in 2026. It's available on the private market and through state-sponsored programs in New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia for children aged 2 to 5 years, and in Western Australia for children aged 2 to 11 years.
Vaccine Dosing
The standard influenza vaccine dose is 0.5 mL, except for FluMist, which is 0.2 mL. For specific vaccine details, refer to the Product Information or Consumer Medicine Information documents.
Vaccines for Children, Under 65s, and Over 65s
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for free annual influenza vaccines under the NIP.
- Four vaccines are available for under 65-year-olds: Flucelvax, Fluzone, Influvac, and Vaxigrip.
- Flucelvax and Vaxigrip are provided under the NIP for at-risk groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, and individuals with specific medical conditions.
- Six vaccines are registered for over 65-year-olds, with Fluad and Fluzone HD specifically designed for the elderly.
Ingredients in Influenza Vaccines
The specific ingredients in each vaccine are listed on the medicine label, Product Information, and Consumer Medicine Information leaflets. These documents also provide instructions on how to obtain a copy or search for ingredient information through the CMI database.
Safety and Allergies
Seasonal influenza vaccines are latex-free and do not contain thiomersal/mercury. Formaldehyde is used in the manufacturing process but is removed and tested to ensure it's below detectable limits. Patients sensitive to latex should consult their doctor.
Further Information
Health professionals can refer to the ATAGI Influenza Statement for detailed information on vaccine availability and timing, as well as the recommended interval between influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Consumers can find additional resources on NPS MedicineWise and the TGA website.
Adverse Event Reporting
Health professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events associated with influenza vaccination to the TGA or through state/territory arrangements. These reports contribute to ongoing safety monitoring of influenza vaccines.
