Summary of NACI statement of May 2026: Statement on seasonal influenza vaccines for 2026-2027

Date published: May 2026

On this page

• Overview
• What you need to know

Overview

In May 2026, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) Guidance on the use of seasonal influenza vaccines for 2026-2027. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI expert opinion.

Following a review of the evidence, NACI makes the following recommendations, which apply for the 2026-2027 influenza season:

• NACI continues to recommend that influenza vaccine should be offered annually to anyone 6 months of age or older who does not have a contraindication to the vaccine. NACI recommends that influenza vaccine should be prioritized for the groups for whom influenza vaccination is particularly important.

Immunization is particularly important for the following groups:

• People at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization:
  • All children 6 to 59 months of age;
  • Adults and children with certain chronic health conditions;
  • All pregnant women and pregnant individuals;
  • All individuals of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities;
  • Adults 65 years of age and older; and
  • Individuals in or from First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities as a result of intersecting determinants of health rooted in historic and ongoing colonization and systemic racism.
• People capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk:
  • Healthcare and other care providers in facilities and community settings;
  • Household contacts of individuals at high risk;
  • Those providing regular childcare to children 0 to 59 months of age, whether in or out of the home; and
  • Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to people at high risk.
• Others:
  • People who provide essential community services; and
  • People whose occupational or recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses.

For the full statement please see: Statement on seasonal influenza vaccines for 2026–2027 (PDF).

What you need to know

• Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses, with seasonal outbreaks occurring each year in Canada during the fall and winter months.
• Most people recover from influenza within 7 to 10 days. However, influenza can worsen some chronic conditions and can have serious complications including hospitalization and death. The national goal of Canada's annual influenza immunization program is to prevent serious illness caused by influenza and its complications.
• In addition to preventing influenza disease, influenza vaccination may offer broader benefits such as protection against cardiovascular events (like heart attacks and strokes) in high-risk groups, for example people who already have cardiovascular disease.
• Influenza vaccination is recommended and has a good safety record in pregnancy to protect pregnant women, pregnant individuals, the developing fetus and the newborn.
• The seasonal influenza vaccine is needed every year because protection from the vaccine decreases over time and the strains of the virus that circulate can change from year to year.
• Adults and children 9 years of age and older are recommended to receive 1 dose of seasonal influenza vaccine each year.
• Children aged 6 months to less than 9 years of age who are receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses in the current season, spaced at least 4 weeks apart. If they have previously received 1 or more doses in any past season, they are recommended to receive 1 dose per season moving forward.
• NACI recommends that any age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used for individuals 6 months of age and older who do not have contraindications. For adults 65 years of age and older, NACI recommends offering high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine, adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine or recombinant influenza vaccine when available. If these are not available, any age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used.
• The availability of different influenza vaccines may vary by region and from year to year. For information regarding specific influenza vaccine availability, consult local public health authorities.
• Influenza vaccines may be given on the same day or at any time before or after other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.

NACI will continue to monitor the evolving evidence and will update guidance as needed. To receive information regarding updates to the CIG and new NACI recommendations, statements and literature reviews, please subscribe to our publications mailing list.