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INSIGHTS FOR HEALTHCARE LEADERS
Preparing for Flu Season
Stay informed on trends, key metrics, and PPE planning insights.
Flu Season Planning Cycle
The flu planning cycle spans ~10–12 months from WHO recommendations to the seasonal peak. This imperfect timeline leaves room for influenza viruses to mutate, creating a mismatch between circulating strains and the strains targeted in vaccines.
| WHO Recommends Strain Focus | Regulators Decide Strains in Vaccines | Vaccine Manufacturing 6-8 Months | Vaccines Ship | Average Flu Season Peak | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Hemisphere | February | March | March - August | August - October | December - February |
| Southern Hemisphere | September | October | October - March | March - April | June - August |
Sources: FDA, "Influenza Vaccine Composition Recommendations" (fda.gov); WHO Global Influenza Programme (who.int)
Current Indications
The southern hemisphere flu season is a helpful predictor in northern hemisphere strains because it is largely the same global viral gene pool. The Australian season is currently indicating:
~70%
Influenza A (H3N2)
Subclade K
~18%
Influenza A (H1N1)
pdm09
~13%
Influenza B
(Victoria Lineage)
*The season is still ongoing and late strains can emerge.
Sources: Australian Centre for Disease Control, "Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report – 27 July to 9 August 2026," Table 5 (WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza), p. 30. cdc.gov.au, Doherty Institute, "What to expect from the 2026 flu season," May 2026 — Professor Patrick Reading (Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza).
The US vaccine match to current strains appears strong but should be monitored for the entirety of the southern hemisphere’s flu season.
| Australian Strain | Cell Based Vaccine Focus | Egg Based Vaccine Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza A (H3N2) Subclade K ~70% | (H3N2) - like virus A/Darwin/1415/2025 | (H3N2) – like virus A/Darwin/1454/2025 | Cover mutations belonging to H3N2 subclade K. |
| Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 ~18% | (H1N1) pdm09-like virus A/Missouri/11/2025 | (H1N1) pdm09-like virus A/Missouri/11/2025 | Structurally tailored to neutralize evolutions of 2009 pandemic lineage |
| Influenza B (Victoria Lineage) ~13% | Victoria lineage B/Pennsylvania/14/2025-like virus | Victoria lineage B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025-like virus | Lineages chosen for closer genetic match to baseline B viruses presenting now. |
Source: FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/influenza-vaccine-composition-2026-2027-us-influenza-season
Preparing Your Health System
Regardless of the severity of the 2026/2027 flu season, U.S. health systems are going to see a spike in patient volumes and PPE usage.
Face Mask Usage ↑ ~25%
Average Flu Season Units ~430M
Average Standard Season Units ~345M
Isolation Gown Usage ↑ ~17%
Average Flu Season Units ~167M
Average Standard Season Units ~144M
Exam Glove Usage ↑ ~1%
Average Flu Season Units ~7.2B
Average Standard Season Units ~7.1B
Plan ahead by ordering inventory for key SKUs ahead of time, not when you’re already feeling the pressure. Learn more about VIVIT Supply’s limited time flu season promotion for key SKUs, forecasting support, and cost savings.