ATAGI update on 2026 flu vaccines
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026 and influenza vaccination program materials
Annual influenza vaccination remains the most important way to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
The ATAGI statement outlines all influenza vaccines registered for use in Australia in 2026 by age group, and lists those available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible groups, including young children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions.
For the first time, the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV; *FluMist®*) will be available for children aged 2 to <18 years on the private market and through state programs in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
LAIV has equivalent effectiveness to inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) but is contraindicated for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. These individuals should receive IIV instead.
All influenza vaccines, including LAIV, can be given at the same time as, or at any interval before or after, other vaccines.
Program materials are available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website, with further resources to be released ahead of the April program rollout.
Further information
* ATAGI statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026
* 2026 influenza vaccination – Program advice for health professionals