ViVa 37 Feature: Influenza vaccines for the 2026–2027 respiratory season

For decades, seasonal influenza vaccines were produced primarily in embryonated eggs. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), administered intranasally, became available in 2003. Over the past decade, additional platforms—including cell-based, recombinant, adjuvanted, and high-dose vaccines—have broadened the product landscape. Nevertheless, embryonated eggs remain the foundation of influenza vaccine manufacturing: more than 80% of the global supply and an estimated 88.8% of seasonal production capacity still rely on egg-based platforms. Today, clinicians and immunization programs can choose among cell-based, recombinant, adjuvanted, high-dose, and live intranasal products, although availability, reimbursement, and licensed age groups vary substantially by country. The global transition from quadrivalent to trivalent formulations, following the apparent disappearance of B/Yamagata lineage viruses, adds another layer of change. This overview maps licensed and available products from established manufacturers in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Japan, alongside important additional vaccines produced in India, China, and Latin America. The tables below provide a practical, product-oriented overview...