The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines for use in the 2026 influenza season in the southern hemisphere. The announcement was made at an Information Meeting after a 4-day Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines.  

Given the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, regular updates to vaccine composition are essential to ensure their effectiveness and to protect public health worldwide.  

WHO convenes these consultations twice annually – once for the southern hemisphere and once for the northern hemisphere, bringing together an advisory group of experts from WHO Collaborating Centres and Essential Regulatory Laboratories. The group reviews surveillance and other data provided by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and collaborators to inform its recommendations.