Click Here to Download the 2026-2027 Flu Memo
This memo is to inform North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) providers of the anticipated availability of influenza vaccine and the ordering process for the 2026-2027 respiratory season. Please take time to carefully review this memo in full. Although details are still being finalized, we are providing this overview of current plans to support your preparations for the upcoming flu season.
Flu vaccine supplied by the NCIP is available only for children 6 months through 18 years of age who are Vaccines for Children (VFC)-eligible and served by a VFC provider location. Certain adult populations may also be eligible for flu vaccines as outlined in the NCIP Coverage Criteria, which will be updated to include the 2026–2027 products once available.
Flu Vaccine Recommendations
Everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. While flu vaccines may not prevent influenza disease, they are highly effective in r• CDC’s centralized distribution process involves several steps not included in the delivery of private-ordered flu vaccine, which often results in privately ordered vaccine arriving before state vaccine. educing the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Clinical guidance is available from CDC.
Administration Best Practices
September and October are the best times for most people to receive a flu vaccine. Routine vaccination prior to September is typically not recommended, but there are several considerations regarding early vaccination for specific groups of people, especially children and pregnant women in their third trimester.
Available Vaccines and Anticipated Shipping Timeline
- During the 2026-2027 flu season, the NCIP will supply several brands of flu vaccine in various presentations, all of which are trivalent protect against H1N1, H3N2 and one influenza type B virus.
- For 2026-2027, providers may receive shipments that include both flu and non-flu vaccines.
- CDC’s centralized distribution process involves several steps not included in the delivery of private-ordered flu vaccine, which often results in privately ordered vaccine arriving before state vaccine.
- One-directional vaccine borrowing for flu vaccine is allowed again this season. This means private vaccine may be used to vaccinate VFC-eligible patients and later replaced with VFC vaccine once available. This one-directional borrowing is unique to seasonal influenza vaccine and can be used as a mitigating strategy if private flu stock is received earlier than your VFC doses. A Vaccine Borrowing Report (PDF) must be completed when a privately purchased vaccine is administered to a VFC-eligible child.
How to Order Flu Vaccine
Ordering for flu vaccines for the 2026–2027 season is expected to begin this month. An announcement in NCIR will be posted when ordering has opened. Providers should ensure orders are sufficient to meet the needs of VFC patients and ensure their ability to store the vaccines safely. Consider a vaccine ordering plan that allows for the use of smaller amounts in combination with different products and presentations early in the season until more vaccine becomes available.
- Place vaccine orders directly through the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) or as indicated in the NCIP Coverage Criteria.
- Order throughout the flu season to replenish supply, as needed.
- Place smaller orders more frequently.
- Order adequate private stock vaccine for your patients who are not eligible for NCIP-supplied/VFC doses whom you intend to vaccinate.
- Train staff to immediately notify the vaccine coordinator or back-up coordinator when deliveries arrive.
- Check and store vaccines properly upon arrival. Maintaining cold chain is the first step in vaccine inventory management.
Flu Vaccines Available for 2026-2027 Season
Pediatric
* Available as an acceptable option for 18-year-old VFC eligible solid organ transplant recipients who are receiving immunosuppressive medication regimens.
Adult
Eligibility: Any uninsured and underinsured persons, 19 years andolder, being served at a Local Health Department (LHD), Rural Health Center (RHC), Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or an enrolled 317 VFA provider.
How to contact us:
For assistance, please contact the NCIP Help Desk by phone at 1.877.USE.NCIR (873-6247), by email, or submit a ticket through the NCIP Help Desk Portal.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to improving immunization outcomes in North Carolina.
In Health,
NC Department of Health and Human Services