The 2026 flu shot: What's new and what you need to know.
Influenza, a master of disguise, evolves rapidly, which is why we need an updated vaccine each year. And this year, the 2026 influenza vaccines have some exciting changes in store! But here's where it gets interesting: the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) has recommended two new strains for the southern hemisphere's vaccine composition, compared to 2025. These new strains are A(H1N1)-like and A(H3N2)-like virus strains, keeping us one step ahead of the flu's tricky nature.
The trivalent vaccines, whether egg-based or cell-based, contain three viral strains, carefully selected to provide optimal protection. The egg-based vaccines include A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like, A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like, and B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like viruses. Meanwhile, the cell-based vaccines feature A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like, A/Sydney/1359/2024 (H3N2)-like, and the same B/Victoria lineage virus.
Now, here's a significant change: the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended dropping the B/Yamagata lineage component from seasonal flu vaccines. This is because the Yamagata lineage of the influenza B virus has been on vacation for a few years, and the AIVC agrees it's time to say goodbye. So, the 2026 southern hemisphere flu vaccines in Australia will be trivalent, excluding the B/Yamagata lineage virus.
And the good news doesn't stop there! You can now get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine on the same day, thanks to studies confirming the safety and effectiveness of this approach. But remember, always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
For the 2026 flu season in Australia, seven vaccines are ready to roll up your sleeves for, catering to various age groups. AstraZeneca's FluMist is a new kid on the block, a live attenuated vaccine for children aged 2 to 18 years, administered nasally. Sanofi-Aventis offers Fluzone for those 6 months and older, with a high-dose version for the 60+ crowd. Seqirus brings Fluad for the 50+ crew, while Vaxigrip, Flucelvax, and Viatris' Influvac cover the 6-month-and-over demographic.
Some of these vaccines are available on the private market, while others are free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). FluMist, for instance, is available privately and through state-sponsored programs in certain states. The dose for all flu vaccines is 0.5 mL, except for FluMist, which is a 0.2 mL nasal spray.
When it comes to children, all kids aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for free annual flu shots under the NIP. Four vaccines are registered for this age group: Flucelvax, Fluzone, Influvac, and Vaxigrip. FluMist, a needle-free option, is also available for kids aged 2 to 18 years.
For those under 65, Flucelvax, Fluzone, Influvac, and Vaxigrip are available, with Flucelvax and Vaxigrip supplied under the NIP for at-risk groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions.
For the over-65 crowd, six vaccines are registered, including Fluad and Fluzone HD, specifically designed for the elderly. Fluad is suitable for those 50+, while Fluzone HD is for the 60+ age group. All individuals aged 65+ are eligible for free flu shots under the NIP.
Curious about what's in these vaccines? Each vaccine's label, Product Information (PI), and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) provide detailed ingredient lists. You can access these through our CMI database or the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Rest assured, seasonal flu vaccines in Australia are thiomersal/mercury-free. Formaldehyde is used in early manufacturing stages for some vaccines but is removed later, ensuring minimal to no traces in the final product. And while all vaccines this year are latex-free, those with extreme latex sensitivity should consult their doctor.
Fluad stands out with its adjuvant, boosting immune response in the over-50s, while Fluzone HD packs a higher antigen punch. FluMist, the only intranasal vaccine, is approved for children and adolescents. Interestingly, most seasonal flu vaccines use eggs in production, except for Flucelvax, which relies on mammalian cell culture.
For healthcare professionals, the ATAGI Influenza Statement offers valuable insights, including vaccine availability timing and intervals between flu and COVID-19 shots. Consumers can turn to NPS MedicineWise for more information. And remember, reporting adverse events post-vaccination is crucial, helping us ensure the safety of these vaccines.
So, there you have it—the lowdown on the 2026 flu vaccines in Australia. Stay informed, stay protected, and don't forget to roll up your sleeves!
