Over roughly the past week to 18 May 2026, the main actionable developments have been a new WHO COVID‑19 antigen recommendation, regional RSV and influenza program moves (especially in Australia and Latin America), and fresh corporate signals around RSV, Lyme disease, and chikungunya vaccines. We found no major new national routine schedule overhauls in North America or Europe during this period; existing early‑2026 changes remain in force. For news on the EBOLA outbreak, please read our features and updates. Global / WHO COVID-19 antigen composition (16 May): WHO’s TAG-CO-VAC, convening 7–8 May, reaffirmed monovalent LP.8.1 as the preferred COVID-19 vaccine antigen; other JN.1-descendant antigens (e.g., XFG, NB.1.8.1) are permissible where they demonstrate broad neutralization against circulating variants. Statement on the antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines. Recommendation: Countries should continue vaccinating the highest-risk groups without delaying for further antigen updates; LP.8.1-based products should be prioritized for the next procurement cycle. Malaria vaccine impact (8 May): WHO...
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