WHO EPI-WIN: Understanding WHO’s 2027 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccine recommendations and the science behind them 

WHO EPI-WIN: Understanding WHO’s 2027 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccine recommendations and the science behind them 

1st Oct, 2026 1:00PM - 2:00PM (Europe/Berlin)

Background

Twice each year, WHO convenes experts from the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to review the latest evidence on circulating influenza viruses and recommend the composition of influenza vaccines for upcoming seasons. During the recent WHO Consultation on the composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season, experts reviewed global influenza activity, virological and epidemiological data, vaccine studies, and emerging zoonotic influenza threats before issuing recommendations for vaccine composition and pandemic preparedness.  The webinar will provide an opportunity for participants to better understand how influenza vaccine recommendations are made and what they mean for protecting communities during the next flu season.

Objectives

The webinar aims to strengthen confidence in influenza vaccines by enhancing understanding of the scientific rigor underpinning the seasonal vaccine composition updates. Its objectives are to:

• Present the updated recommendations – developed through a comprehensive and intensive consultation held from 21-24 Sept 2026, on the composition of influenza vaccines for use in the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season;
• Outline the scientific evidence supporting these recommendations;
• Provide an overview of zoonotic influenza and the latest updates on candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness; and
• Discuss technical considerations related to the recommendation updates and address questions from public health practitioners, academia, industry, and the general public regarding vaccine composition. 

Agenda and Speakers 

Introduction: Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, EPI-WIN Lead, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO headquarters

Opening remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director, Epidemic and Pandemic Management Department (EPM), WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)

Overview of the consultation outcomes: Dr Wenqing Zhang, Global Respiratory Threats Unit, EPM, WHE

Seasonal vaccine composition recommendations for the 2027 Southern Hemisphere influenza season: 
Dr Patrick Reading, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre of GISRS, Australia
Prof Nicola Lewis, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre of GISRS, UK

Zoonotic influenza candidate vaccine viruses and pandemic preparedness: Dr Richard Webby, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre of GISRS, USA

Q&A: All speakers

Summary & Closing: Dr Wenqing Zhang and Dr Supriya Bezbaruah