The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) met last week to recommend the composition of the influenza virus vaccines for use within Australia in 2026.
Each year, the composition of the vaccine changes, to take into account a number of factors, including the recent strains of influenza circulating in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.
Recommended vaccine composition
The Committee recommended the following viruses for vaccines used in Australia for the 2026 southern hemisphere trivalent influenza vaccines in Australia:
Egg-based influenza vaccines:
- an A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus;
Cell-based influenza vaccines:
- an A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Sydney/1359/2024 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus;
The continued absence of confirmed detection of naturally occurring B/Yamagata lineage viruses after March 2020 is indicative of a very low risk of infection by B/Yamagata lineage viruses. Consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations since September 2023, it remains the opinion of the WHO influenza vaccine composition advisory committee that the inclusion of a B/Yamagata lineage antigen is no longer warranted. This position is supported by the AIVC.
The AIVC supports the use of trivalent influenza virus vaccines within Australia for the 2026 influenza season.
Moving from a quadrivalent vaccine to trivalent vaccine
The removal of the B/Yamagata strain means that instead of the quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) that had been recommended in Australia since 2016, we will be using a trivalent influenza virus (TIV) vaccine (2 A strains, and 1 B strain) this flu season.
Interestingly, COVID-19 mitigation strategies may have contributed to elimination of B/Yamagata in the community. However, the overall influenza disease burden on the population has returned to similar levels as the pre-pandemic years.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect the community from the flu. This is particularly important for people who may not be able to be vaccinated, or other vulnerable members of our community.
Be prepared for the 2026 flu season
Here at VaxWorks, we’re already gearing up for the 2026 flu season. To have the maximum benefit for their employees, we find most of our clients schedule their flu clinics between the end of March through to the end of June. However, we also run flu clinics through until August, as the flu is still circulating heavily in the community at this time.
We work with our clients to understand their needs, and schedule clinics that best fit within their work schedules. To discuss your needs with our team, request a quote today, and Save the Date for your vaccination clinic!
