2026 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines: What You Need to Know
Staying Ahead of the Flu: The 2026 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
The flu is a constant threat, and influenza vaccines are our best defense. But did you know that these vaccines change every year to keep up with the ever-evolving nature of the influenza virus? This is why it's crucial to get vaccinated annually.
The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) has reviewed and evaluated the latest data on influenza strains circulating in Australia and the southern hemisphere. They've made some important recommendations for the 2026 southern hemisphere influenza season, and we've accepted them.
New Strains, New Vaccines
This year, the influenza vaccines for Australia will include two new strains: a A(H1N1)-like and a A(H3N2)-like virus strain. These new strains are in addition to the composition of influenza vaccines for Australia in 2025.
Egg-Based Trivalent Influenza Vaccines
These vaccines contain the following three viral strains:
- 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 Influenza Vaccines
These vaccines contain the following three viral strains:
- 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: Saying Goodbye
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that the B/Yamagata lineage component is no longer warranted in seasonal influenza vaccines. This is because the Yamagata lineage of the influenza B virus has not circulated for several years. The AIVC supports this decision.
As a result, the southern hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccines will transition to a trivalent formulation in 2026, excluding the B/Yamagata lineage virus.
Influenza and COVID-19: Can I Get Both?
Yes, you can get both vaccines at the same time! Studies have shown that co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is safe and effective. For more information, visit the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) website.
Available Vaccines for 2026
The following seven influenza vaccines will be available for use in Australia for the age groups listed against each product:
- Sponsor: AstraZeneca, Tradename: FluMist, Age Group: 2 years to less than 18 years
- Sponsor: Sanofi-Aventis, Tradename: Fluzone, Age Group: 6 months and over
- Sponsor: Sanofi-Aventis, Tradename: Fluzone High-Dose (HD), Age Group: 60 years and over
- Sponsor: Sanofi-Aventis, Tradename: Vaxigrip, Age Group: 6 months and over
- Sponsor: Seqirus, Tradename: Fluad, Age Group: 50 years and over
- Sponsor: Seqirus, Tradename: Flucelvax, Age Group: 6 months and over
- Sponsor: Viatris, Tradename: Influvac, Age Group: 6 months and over
FluMist: A New Option
FluMist is a nasally administered live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) that's new to the Australian market in 2026. It's available on the private market and in some states under state-sponsored programs.
Dose and Availability
The standard influenza vaccine dose is 0.5 mL, except for FluMist, which is a 0.2 mL dose. For more information on individual vaccines, refer to the relevant Product Information document or Consumer Medicine Information document.
Vaccines for Children, Under 65s, and Over 65s
All children aged 6 months to less than 5 years are eligible for free annual influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For those aged under 65 years, four vaccines are available, and for those aged 65 years and over, six vaccines are registered.
What's in the Vaccine?
Specific ingredients in individual influenza vaccines can be found on the vaccine labels or through the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). All seasonal influenza vaccines available in Australia are latex-free, but patients sensitive to latex should consult their doctor.
Further Information
Health professionals can find more information on the ATAGI Influenza Statement, including vaccine availability and timing. Consumers can visit NPS MedicineWise for details on getting their flu shot.
Reporting Adverse Events
Health professionals and consumers are encouraged to report all adverse events associated with influenza vaccination to the relevant authorities. All reports contribute to the ongoing safety monitoring of influenza vaccines.
