Next generation influenza vaccines that provide broader and longer-lasting protection than existing seasonal vaccines, could play a vital role in reducing the global burden of influenza, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) assessment.  

The new WHO Full value of improved influenza vaccine assessment (FVIVA) and Vaccine journal article evaluate the health, economic, and policy impacts of next-generation influenza vaccines and identifies future barriers to their uptake globally. They provide a basis to guide investment, policy decisions, and introduction strategies – supporting stronger seasonal influenza programmes and enhanced pandemic preparedness. 

Each year, there are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza globally, with 3 to 5 million cases leading to severe illness and an estimated 290 000 to 650 000 deaths from respiratory complications.