Flu Vaccine Updated: Who Should Get This Seasonal Shot Now?

CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Flu Vaccine Updated: Who Should Get This Seasonal Shot Now?

New Delhi: In view of changes in the form of the flu virus every year, the composition of the vaccine is also updated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a new recommendation on the virus strains to be included in vaccines for the 2026-27 Northern Hemisphere flu season. For this season, it has recommended that the trivalent flu vaccine include virus strains linked to H1N1, H3N2 and the B/Victoria lineage.

Why does the flu vaccine change every year?

Influenza viruses keep changing continuously. For this reason, WHO issues recommendations twice a year on vaccine composition, based on surveillance of viruses spreading in different parts of the world. The aim is to make the vaccine more effective against the viruses most likely to spread in the coming flu season.

For the 2026-27 Northern Hemisphere season, WHO has recommended, for egg-based vaccines, an H1N1 strain such as A/Missouri/11/2025, an H3N2 strain such as A/Darwin/1454/2025 and a B/Victoria lineage strain such as B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025.

For whom is the flu vaccine more important?

Anyone can get the flu, but in some people the infection can increase the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation or other complications. These groups particularly include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people who have been dealing with certain long-term illnesses.

Flu can be more serious during pregnancy and may increase the risk of hospitalisation. Vaccination can help provide some protection not only to the pregnant woman but also to the baby after birth.

Older adults also face a higher risk of serious complications from flu. In some countries, special types of flu vaccines are prioritised for people aged 65 years or above.

Can children also get the flu vaccine?

Yes. For example, according to the US CDC guidelines for the 2026-27 season, flu vaccines are available for people aged 6 months and above. However, the type of vaccine and dose may differ according to age and health condition.

Should everyone get vaccinated?

The need for a flu vaccine depends on a person’s age, health condition, local guidelines and risk of flu. Older adults, children, pregnant women and people at risk of serious illness should especially consider vaccination after consulting a doctor.

It should be kept in mind that the flu vaccine does not protect against every virus that causes common cold and cough. Its main purpose is to protect against seasonal influenza and, if illness occurs, to reduce the risk of serious outcomes.

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