National influenza centres

To monitor and respond to the changes in the influenza virus antigenic structure and the subsequent necessity to change vaccine compositions, a large number of countries have established a national influenza centre (NIC) to collect and characterize virus specimens in their country and perform other analyses to inform the decisions of WHO and partners on the composition of the next year’s influenza vaccine. In many countries, virological surveillance is complemented by more systematic influenza surveillance for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI).

An NIC in a country – or in a neighbouring country – can support evidence-based recommendations by providing data on the influenza disease burden and seasonality to the NITAG or other relevant national decision-making body. Involving these and other centres in NITAG discussions is key to bringing together all relevant information that is needed for the decision-making process.

A list of NICs, WHO collaborating centres and Essential Regulatory Laboratories (ERLs) can be found at the following links:

• https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-influenza-surveillance-and-response-system/national-influenza-centres (accessed 14 September 2022).
• https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-influenza-surveillance-and-response-system/who-collaboration-center-erl (accessed 14 September 2022).