All three influenza strains updated for the 2026/27 vaccine

For the 2026/27 flu season, manufacturers have reformulated the vaccine to include updated forms of all three influenza strains, reflecting significant changes in the viruses that have been observed. The decision was guided by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, which bases its recommendations on advice from the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency's human medicines committee. Leif-Erik Sander, director of infectious diseases at Charité, noted that the newer A(H3N2) subclade K had already infected many people the previous year and that the vaccine now targets this variant.

He added that the strain revisions alone do not imply a more severe outbreak, citing milder seasons in the Southern Hemisphere as an example. Experts continue to stress the importance of timely vaccination, especially for those over 60, pregnant individuals, high-risk patients and healthcare workers. The Robert Koch-Institut reports low uptake among seniors, underscoring the need for higher coverage.