This is a closed meeting, only the opening session on Monday 18 February can be attended. The periodic replacement of viruses contained in influenza vaccines is necessary in order for the vaccines to be effective due to the constant evolving nature of influenza viruses, including those circulating and infecting humans.

Twice annually, WHO organizes consultations with an advisory group of experts to analyse influenza virus surveillance data generated by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), and issues recommendations on the composition of the influenza vaccines for the following influenza season.

These recommendations are used by the national vaccine regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce and license influenza vaccines.

On 21 February 2019, the recommendations on the composition of the influenza vaccines for the following 2019-2010 influenza season will be publicly announced in an Information Meeting at the same venue in Beijing.

Representatives and individuals from vaccine regulatory agencies, influenza vaccine manufacturers, members of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), and other interested institutions will be participating at this information meeting, media representatives will have the opportunity to attend.