Health authorities worldwide are intensifying vaccination efforts for the 2025-2026 season, introducing updated shots for respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza. These advancements arrive as global childhood immunization rates remain stagnant, leading to a concerning surge in preventable diseases, most notably measles. International bodies and national governments are working to close immunity gaps and address vaccine hesitancy.
Updated Vaccines Combat Respiratory Viruses
The 2025-2026 respiratory season sees new formulations for key vaccines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. These new formulations primarily target the LP.8.1 Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2, which is a descendant of the JN.1 lineage. The FDA recommended these monovalent vaccines for the fall 2025 season to match currently circulating strains more closely.[secure+4]
Pfizer and BioNTech reported positive Phase 3 trial data for their LP.8.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, showing a robust increase in neutralizing antibodies in adults aged 65 and older, and in those aged 18-64 with underlying risk conditions. Moderna's Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE1, and Novavax's Nuvaxovid, also have new 2025-2026 formulations. These updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all adults 65 years and older, and for individuals aged 6 months to 64 years who have underlying conditions that place them at high risk for severe COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that up-to-date vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death. Studies have shown updated COVID-19 vaccines to be effective, with one EuroSAVE study finding 72% effectiveness against hospitalization and 67% against the most serious outcomes when received within the past six months.[id-ea+9]
For the 2025-2026 flu season, nine FDA-approved trivalent influenza vaccines are available. These protect against two type A flu viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and one type B virus (Victoria lineage). Flu vaccines are typically 40% to 60% effective against needing medical attention for flu treatment. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends an annual influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are preferred for individuals 65 or older. An adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine, previously for those 65 and over, is now licensed for ages 50 and above.[goodrx+9]
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines also see continued recommendations. Seasonal administration during pregnancy is advised to protect infants, and adults 60 years and older are also recommended to receive the RSV vaccine. Evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of immunizations against COVID-19, RSV, and influenza during the 2025-2026 season.[cdc+4]
Childhood Immunization Stalls, Measles Outbreaks Rise
Despite advancements in new vaccines, global childhood immunization coverage has largely plateaued over the past decade. This stagnation puts millions of children at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2024, approximately 14.3 million children worldwide missed out on any vaccination, categorized as "zero-dose" children. This number is 4 million higher than the 2024 target set by the Immunization Agenda 2030 goals.[immunizationeconomics+5]
Measles, a highly contagious disease, continues to pose a significant threat. Global measles vaccination coverage for the first dose rose slightly to 84% in 2024, but this is still below the 86% level seen in 2019 before the pandemic. The WHO recommends at least 95% coverage with two measles vaccine doses to stop transmission and protect communities from outbreaks. In 2024, the number of countries experiencing large or disruptive measles outbreaks sharply increased to 60, nearly doubling from 33 in 2022. This highlights critical immunity gaps in populations. For example, in England, only 91.9% of five-year-olds received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in 2024-25, the lowest level since 2010-11.[sciencemediacentre+7]
In response to declining rates, some regions are implementing new strategies. England launched a £2 million pilot scheme in January 2026, sending health visitors door-to-door to deliver vaccines to children in their homes.This initiative targets families facing barriers like travel costs, childcare, or language issues, aiming to boost uptake and protect children from deadly diseases.[theguardian+1]
Progress in other childhood vaccines also shows mixed results. Global coverage for the third dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine was 85% in 2024, a modest increase from 2023 but still indicating significant disparity, with low-income countries lagging.Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage for girls increased from 27% in 2023 to 31% in 2024, a substantial rise but still far from the 90% target by 2030.[who+3]
Global Efforts and Emerging Vaccine Technologies
The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a global strategy launched in 2020, aims for a world where everyone benefits from vaccines.A 2024 progress report revealed that nearly 4.2 million deaths were averted by vaccination against 14 diseases in 2023.However, this fell short of the target of 4.6 million deaths, indicating that major acceleration is needed to achieve the 2030 goals.The report warns that vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks are increasing, contrary to IA2030 objectives.[who+8]
Despite these challenges, significant scientific advancements are shaping the future of immunization. mRNA vaccine technology, which proved pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, is expanding rapidly beyond respiratory viruses.Researchers are now developing mRNA vaccines for various infectious diseases, including influenza, HIV, and Ebola, as well as for cancer immunotherapy and rare genetic disorders.The global mRNA vaccines market is experiencing substantial growth, projected to reach $23.38 billion by 2032 from $9.32 billion in 2024.Innovations in lipid nanoparticle engineering and nucleoside modifications are enhancing vaccine effectiveness and tolerability.Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing a growing role, speeding up antigen selection and improving mRNA vaccine stability and delivery.[cas+11]
Global polio eradication efforts continue, with over two billion doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) deployed worldwide.The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) developed a focused 2026 Action Plan to concentrate resources on high-risk areas and intensify vaccination strategies.[vax-before-travel+1]
Public health campaigns are crucial in these efforts. Initiatives like "Risk Less. Do More." in the U.S. aim to increase awareness and uptake of vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV in at-risk populations.These campaigns also work to counter misinformation and promote vaccine education, highlighting that vaccination is safer than getting sick.[hhs+4]
The global health landscape in 2025-2026 presents a dual narrative: groundbreaking scientific progress in vaccine development coupled with persistent challenges in ensuring widespread, equitable access and uptake. Addressing these disparities and maintaining public trust in immunization are critical to protecting communities from preventable diseases and achieving global health targets.
