Rachel V Thomas

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WHO Sets 2027 Flu Vaccine Strains; States Can Now Order Free COVID Shots For Kids

The <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) today announced its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza (or “flu”) vaccines for the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season.

The announcement comes as US states can now order free COVID-19 vaccines for eligible children through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, following a nearly month-long delay.

<h2>Why WHO Is Updating Flu Vaccine Strains</h2>

Seasonal influenza causes substantial illness and hospitalizations each year. Because influenza viruses continually evolve, vaccine compositions need to be regularly updated.

WHO recommendations guide national vaccine regulators and manufacturers in developing and licensing vaccines for the following flu season.

"For nearly 75 years, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System has demonstrated the power of global solidarity in public health," said <span>Dr Maria Van Kerkhove</span>, WHO's Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Management.

"The commitment of countries and laboratories to share data, viruses and expertise enables WHO to make timely vaccine recommendations, strengthening our collective ability to detect and respond to emerging influenza threats. This is global public health collaboration at its best," she added.

<h2>What Are The <span rel="noindex">2027 Flu Vaccine Strains</span>?</h2>

From February through August 2026, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses circulated across regions. Influenza A viruses predominated in most regions, while influenza B dominated in Northern and Western Africa, North America and Eastern Asia.

WHO recommends the following strains for the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season:

<ul><li>A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus</li><li>A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like virus</li><li>B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus</li></ul>

<strong>Cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines</strong>

<ul><li>A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus</li><li>A/Darwin/1415/2025 (H3N2)-like virus</li><li>B/Pennsylvania/14/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus</li></ul>

WHO also reviewed influenza viruses circulating in animals because of their potential to cause human infections and pandemics.

<h2>Free <span rel="noindex">COVID</span> Vaccines For US Children</h2>

The VFC program provides free immunizations to more than half of U.S. children, including those covered by Medicaid, uninsured or underinsured children, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

The FDA approved the updated COVID-19 vaccines on August 27, but access through the VFC program was delayed.

Although overall COVID-19 hospitalization rates remain low, they have been rising since mid-June. According to the CDC, hospitalization rates are highest among babies younger than 1 year old and adults aged 65 and older.

<h2>States Can Now Order COVID Vaccines</h2>

Public health officials from multiple states confirmed that they can now order the free vaccines.

South Carolina’s health department “was alerted yesterday afternoon by the CDC that COVID vaccines would be available for order today,” Casey White, a department spokeswoman, told CIDRAP News.

“Announcements will be shared with VFC providers and health departments to communicate the opening of ordering for all respiratory immunizations.”

WHO said it will issue its recommendation for vaccines for the 2027–28 northern hemisphere influenza season in February 2027.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza (or “flu”) vaccines for the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season.The announcement comes as US states can now order free COVID-19 vaccines for eligible children through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, following a nearly month-long delay.Why WHO Is Updating Flu Vaccine StrainsSeasonal influenza causes substantial illness and hospitalizations each year. Because influenza viruses continually evolve, vaccine compositions need to be regularly updated.WHO recommendations guide national vaccine regulators and manufacturers in developing and licensing vaccines for the following flu season."For nearly 75 years, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System has demonstrated the power of global solidarity in public health," said Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Management."The commitment of countries and laboratories to share data, viruses and expertise enables WHO to make timely vaccine recommendations, strengthening our collective ability to detect and respond to emerging influenza threats. This is global public health collaboration at its best," she added.What Are The 2027 Flu Vaccine Strains?From February through August 2026, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses circulated across regions. Influenza A viruses predominated in most regions, while influenza B dominated in Northern and Western Africa, North America and Eastern Asia.WHO recommends the following strains for the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season:Egg-based vaccinesA/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virusA/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like virusB/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virusCell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccinesA/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virusA/Darwin/1415/2025 (H3N2)-like virusB/Pennsylvania/14/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virusWHO also reviewed influenza viruses circulating in animals because of their potential to cause human infections and pandemics.Free COVID Vaccines For US ChildrenThe VFC program provides free immunizations to more than half of U.S. children, including those covered by Medicaid, uninsured or underinsured children, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives.The FDA approved the updated COVID-19 vaccines on August 27, but access through the VFC program was delayed.Although overall COVID-19 hospitalization rates remain low, they have been rising since mid-June. According to the CDC, hospitalization rates are highest among babies younger than 1 year old and adults aged 65 and older.States Can Now Order COVID VaccinesPublic health officials from multiple states confirmed that they can now order the free vaccines.South Carolina’s health department “was alerted yesterday afternoon by the CDC that COVID vaccines would be available for order today,” Casey White, a department spokeswoman, told CIDRAP News.“Announcements will be shared with VFC providers and health departments to communicate the opening of ordering for all respiratory immunizations.”WHO said it will issue its recommendation for vaccines for the 2027–28 northern hemisphere influenza season in February 2027.

who sets 2027 flu vaccine strains; states can now order free covid shots for kids

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