Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of influenza vaccination as a preventive measure against the flu, particularly for high-risk groups, and introduces the "China Influenza Vaccine Prevention and Immunization Technical Guidelines (2025-2026)" to promote vaccination efforts [1] Group 1: Vaccination Recommendations - The guidelines recommend that all individuals aged 6 months and older without contraindications should receive the influenza vaccine [1] - Priority groups for timely vaccination include healthcare workers, elderly individuals aged 60 and above, individuals with chronic diseases, residents and staff of congregate settings, pregnant women, children aged 6 to 59 months, caregivers of infants under 6 months, and populations in key settings such as schools and childcare institutions [1] Group 2: Vaccination Protocols for Children - For children aged 6 months to 8 years who have never received the influenza vaccine, two doses of inactivated influenza vaccine are recommended, with an interval of at least 4 weeks [2] - If children in this age group have previously received the influenza vaccine, only one dose is recommended for the current year [2] - For children receiving live attenuated influenza vaccine, only one dose is required regardless of previous vaccination history [3] Group 3: Vaccination Protocols for Older Children and Adults - For individuals aged 9 years and older, only one dose of the influenza vaccine is required, regardless of prior vaccination [4] - It is advised to complete vaccinations before the peak flu season, ideally in September and October, to ensure immunity during the flu outbreak [4] - Individuals who complete the vaccination protocol within the same flu season do not need to repeat the vaccination [4] Group 4: Implementation and Updates - The guidelines are applicable to various health institutions and professionals involved in influenza prevention and control [4] - The guidelines will be regularly updated based on ongoing research and developments in the field [4]