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News overview

21st September 2026

News overview

21st September 2026

Vaccination against flu for the 2026–2027 season

The influenza vaccine will be available for delivery from the distributor starting October 15

- Automatic translation

Two different influenza vaccines will be used in Iceland this winter:

  1. A standard inactivated influenza vaccine, suitable for children from 6 months of age and adults, will be ready for distribution from the distributor as of 15 October. The vaccine to be used for vaccinations during the 2026–2027 winter season, in accordance with the agreements between the Chief Epidemiologist and Icepharma, is:

    Influvac – 90,000 doses, according to the agreement resulting from the 2025 tender.

    As in previous years, distribution will be prioritized for nursing homes and healthcare institutions that vaccinate priority groups during the first few weeks. It is expected that vaccination of priority groups can begin throughout the country around mid-October. Other parties allocated vaccine are expected to receive it in November, including providers offering workplace vaccination programs.

    Distribution of the inactivated influenza vaccine to vaccination providers will be based on the quantity ordered during the previous winter, unless otherwise agreed in communications between the Chief Epidemiologist and those responsible for vaccination programs.

  2. A live attenuated nasal spray influenza vaccine for children from 2 years of age will be ready for distribution to primary healthcare centres from 30 September:

    Fluenz – 15,000 doses, according to the agreement between the Chief Epidemiologist and Vistor resulting from the 2025 tender.

    The vaccine is intended for all children aged 2–4 years and for children aged 5–17 years with risk factors, provided there are no contraindications. Children who cannot receive Fluenz will be offered Influvac if appropriate. Children who are requested to receive influenza vaccination despite having no specific risk factors may receive Fluenz while supplies last.

    If providers other than primary healthcare centres are interested in offering Fluenz to children, they may contact the Chief Epidemiologist at mottaka@landlaeknir.is.

The Chief Epidemiologist recommends that the following priority groups receive priority for influenza vaccination:

  • All individuals aged 60 and older.

  • Children under 5 years of age who are at least 6 months old at the time of vaccination.

  • All children and adults with chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, malignant diseases, or other immunosuppressive conditions.

  • Pregnant women.

  • Healthcare workers who care for individuals belonging to the risk groups listed above.

  • People whose occupation puts them at risk of exposure to both seasonal influenza and avian influenza, as described in the 2023 announcement.

Cost of influenza vaccination for priority groups:

  • Influenza vaccination is provided free of charge to priority groups.

  • Regarding consultation fees at primary healthcare centres for influenza vaccination, Article 8 of

    Regulation No. 1495/2025 applies.

For further information, see Circular Letter No. 1/2026 on vaccination against seasonal influenza (Icelandic)

Chief Epidemiologist