In the past 5 years, the GIHSN has developed focus on linking clinical data (e.g. severity) with viral genome sequencing information, with a to contribute informing WHO vaccine strains selection.
All sites must have the capacity to submit WGS at a minimum consensus data of the HA and NA segments to the GISAID EpiFlu™ database, in a timeframe so that results are available for the WHO biannual Vaccine Composition Meetings (VCM). If a site has no capacity to generate WGS, the site is offered the possibility to ship its specimens to the GIHSN sequencing platform at the National Influenza Centre in Lyon, France.
Link between WGS data uploaded in GISAID and clinical data in GIHSN is enabled through the reporting of the GISAID sample number into the clinical questionnaire.
Storage (-20C or -70C) of all influenza positive and negative study samples should be carried out for a minimum of one year. This will assure sample availability for additional retrospective investigations (e.g. pathogen discovery initiatives) if necessary.
Since 2023, the GIHSN prepared and shared with WHO twice a year (February and September) a report of activity, based on influenza virus sequences and associated clinical data, prior to the WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines.
Download the GIHSN WGS activity report – 4 April 2025
Download the GIHSN report VCM NH Feb 2025
Download the GIHSN report VCM SH Sep 2024
Download the GIHSN report VCM NH Feb 2024
Download the GIHSN report VCM SH Sep 2023
Download the GIHSN report VCM NH Feb 2023
Lab Guidelines
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