GNN monthly update: August 26

Global updates

• The annual WHO/UNICEF national estimates of immunization coverage were released on 15 July, providing the world’s largest dataset on immunization coverage trends for key infant and childhood vaccinations.
• WHO published a target product profile (TPP) for Bundibugyo virus disease vaccines on 14 July 2026. The document provides a common framework for vaccine developers, manufacturers, regulators, and funders, outlining the preferred and minimum characteristics of future vaccines to help accelerate the development and availability of safe, effective, and accessible vaccines against Bundibugyo virus disease.
• WHO South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission reviews progress towards measles and rubella elimination reviewed progress towards measles and rubella elimination on 24 June.

Regional Updates

Region of the Eastern Mediterranean 

• WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) is inviting applications from experts to serve on the Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG/EMR). The group provides independent technical advice on immunization policies, vaccine-preventable diseases, and vaccine introduction strategies across the Region. Experts from a range of disciplines are encouraged to apply here by 27 July 2026.

Region of  Europe

• WHO’s Regional Office for Europe has launched calls for experts to join the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) and the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC). These advisory bodies provide independent technical guidance on immunization policies and support regional efforts to achieve and sustain measles and rubella elimination. Experts with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

National Updates

COVID-19

• German NITAG (STIKO) has updated their recommendations. The standard vaccination recommendation will apply to those ≥ 75 years of age and the indication-based vaccination recommendation continues to apply to persons many underlying medical conditions. Available in German here.
• UK NITAG (JCVI) published their statement on COVID-19 vaccination in autumn 2027, to be found in English here.
• Spanish NITAG has published their recommendation for 2026 to 2027. Available in Spanish.
   

Diphtheria

• Australian NITAG (ATAGI) has published their advice regarding diphtheria vaccination in outbreak settings 2026.
   

Influenza

• French NITAG recommends that annual influenza vaccination should become mandatory for healthcare professionals in contact with vulnerable individuals. Available in French. 
• JCVI updated their advice for flu vaccines 2027 to 2028. Available in English.
   

Meningococcal disease

• JCVI updated their recommendations on routine meningococcal B vaccination for adolescents. Available in English
   

Pneumococcal disease

• JCVI published a correspondence on people experiencing homelessness as a new clinical risk group eligible for pneumococcal vaccination. Available in English.
   

RSV

• JCVI published a correspondence on their expansion of eligibility for vaccination to adults aged 65 to 74 years in certain clinical risk groups. Available in English.
   

Tick-Borne-Encephalitis (TBE)

• The Slovenian NITAG (NIJZ) published a leaflet on TBE vaccination. Available in Slovenian.

Additional recommendations

• STIKO and the German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine, and Global Health published their travel recommendations for 2026. Available in German.
• NIJZ published their vaccination recommendations. Available in Slovenian.

Recent publications

• Guiding principles for prioritizing malaria interventions in resource-constrained country contexts to achieve maximum impact, 2nd ed.
• Recommendations and guidance for pneumococcal vaccination for adults

Best regards
Dr Philipp Lambach
World Health Organization

Antonia Pilic & Annika Falman
Robert Koch Institute