The annual influenza vaccination campaign will commence shortly. Two types of vaccines have been procured and will be ready for distribution within the next two weeks. According to a statement from the Chief Epidemiologist, as in previous years, distribution will initially prioritise nursing homes and healthcare institutions, where high-risk groups will be vaccinated during the first weeks. All decisions regarding the implementation and organisation of vaccinations fall under the responsibility of the Chief Epidemiologist.

The Vaccines

For the winter of 2026-2027, two types of vaccines will be used, Fluenz, a live attenuated nasal spray vaccine, and Influvac, a traditional inactivated injectable vaccine. Both vaccines are trivalent, targeting influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B (Victoria strain). They may contain egg protein and should not be administered to individuals with life-threatening egg allergies.

Package Leaflet Information

User information is available in the package leaflets for both vaccines, accessible on lyf.is. Vaccine users and their caregivers are encouraged to review the package leaflet for details, including known side effects. Additionally, any suspected adverse reactions should be reported to the Icelandic Medicines Agency, including those related to vaccines.

Fluenz is a live attenuated nasal spray vaccine intended for all children aged 2–4 years and children aged 5–17 years with risk factors, provided there are no contraindications. A total of 15,000 doses of Fluenz have been procured.

Virus Strains in Fluenz:

• B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain (B/Austria/1359417/2021, MEDI 355292)

• Influenza A virus, subtype H3N2, strain A/Croatia/10136RV/2023-like strain (A/Perth/722/2024, MEDI 392611), Live

• Influenza virus A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain (A/Norway/31694/2022, MEDI 369815)

Full Name: Fluenz
ATC Code: J07BB03
Active Ingredient: Influenza virus (attenuated)
Dosage Form: Nasal spray, suspension
Route of Administration: Nasal
Age Group: 2–17 years

Influvac is a traditional inactivated influenza vaccine suitable for children aged 6 months and older, as well as adults. A total of 90,000 doses of Influvac have been procured.

Virus Strains in Influvac:

• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like strain (B/Phuket/3073/2013, wild type)

• A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain (A/Missouri/11/2025, IVR-279)

• A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like strain (A/Michigan/105/2025, SAN-049A)

• B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025-like strain (B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025, wild type)

Full Name: Influvac Tetra
ATC Code: J07BB02
Active Ingredient: Influenza virus, purified antigens
Dosage Form: Injectable suspension in pre-filled syringe
Route of Administration: Intramuscular
Age Group: From 6 months of age

Priority Groups

The Chief Epidemiologist advises that the following high-risk groups should be prioritised for influenza vaccination:

• All individuals aged 60 years and older.

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

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

• Pregnant women.

• Healthcare workers caring for individuals in the above-mentioned risk groups.

• People in occupational risk due to exposure to annual influenza and avian influenza, as defined in 2023 guidelines.

Vaccination of priority groups is expected to begin nationwide in mid-October, while others allocated vaccines, including workplace vaccination providers, are likely to receive them in November.