Russia warns of new flu strains ahead of 2026-27 season

New influenza strains are expected to circulate in Russia during the upcoming 2026-27 epidemic season, but vaccines targeting the updated strains have already been produced and are in use, an infectious disease specialist said.

Ivan Konovalov, an associate professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases in Children at the Institute of Motherhood and Childhood of Pirogov University, told TASS that protection is available against flu viruses that differ from the strains circulating during the previous season.

“The World Health Organisation has issued updated recommendations on the composition of vaccines for the 2026/2027 season in the Northern Hemisphere. As of today, vaccines have already been produced and are being used in Russia,” Konovalov said.

He said September and October were the most suitable months for getting vaccinated against influenza, before the cold and flu season begins, giving the body time to develop immunity.

Konovalov added that modern influenza vaccines are safe, do not contain live components and can be administered to children from the age of six months as well as to pregnant women.

By Tamilla Hasanova