2026 influenza vaccine changes: ATAGI advice and NCIRS resources

With the 2026 respiratory illness season fast approaching, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released its annual Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026 outlining changes to this year’s influenza (flu) vaccine formulations and dosing. 
 

Influenza vaccine changes in 2026 

Two seasonal flu vaccine types are available in 2026:  

• injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs), including standard dose egg-based vaccines and enhanced vaccines such as the adjuvanted Fluad and high-dose Fluzone High-Dose 
• intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), FluMist. 

In 2026, the composition of flu vaccines will transition from quadrivalent to trivalent formulations. This aligns with recommendations from the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee released late last year, and is consistent with World Health Organization guidance on 2026 southern hemisphere vaccines. 

From 2026, LAIV is available for children aged 2 to less than 18 years on the private market and for free through state-funded programs for: 

• children aged 2 to less than 5 years in New South Wales and South Australia 
• children aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive) in Queensland 
• children aged 2 to less than 12 years in Western Australia.  
   

NCIRS influenza webinar and updated immunisation resources 

To support immunisation providers navigate the changes, NCIRS’ Influenza vaccination in 2026: a new era of protection webinar was held on 5 March 2026. 

At the session, immunisation experts presented on recent trends in influenza vaccination coverage, disease burden, details of the 2026 program changes and practical guidance on administering the intranasal vaccine.  

To complement the webinar and reflect the new updates, NCIRS has refreshed its influenza immunisation resources, including:  

• revised influenza FAQs incorporating questions about intranasal LAIV  
• a new resource for health professionals comparing the inactivated influenza vaccine with the live attenuated vaccine  
• a new table summarising state and territory funding for the intranasal flu vaccine in 2026.  

Childhood and Adolescent pages on the Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) website have also been revised to include the 2026 updates.  

ATAGI continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination for people aged 6 months and over, reiterating that influenza vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible at-risk groups, including young children, pregnant women, older adults and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

Explore NCIRS influenza immunisation resources