Israel Faces Flu Season Amid Vaccine Delays and Early Outbreaks

Israel is preparing for the upcoming flu season amidst concerns over delayed vaccine shipments and early signs of infection spread. The full supply of ordered vaccines is not expected until mid-November, despite the virus already showing activity. This delay is attributed to the World Health Organization's later identification of virus strains for this year's vaccines, resulting in staggered deliveries to health maintenance organizations.

Concerns have been heightened by a flu outbreak at a rehabilitation medical center in Kfar Saba, where 47 patients and staff were infected, and three elderly individuals died from complications. Additionally, 10 cases of influenza A were identified in hospitals in the week ending August 22, according to the Israeli Center for Disease Control. The Ministry of Health, however, assures that a critical vaccine shortage is not anticipated, with hundreds of thousands of doses expected soon, followed by quality control before distribution.

Israel utilizes injectable flu vaccines for individuals six months and older, and a nasal spray vaccine for those aged two to 49 without contraindications. A new mRNA flu vaccine approved in the U.S. will not be available in Israel this winter. Another significant threat this season is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), particularly dangerous for infants, premature babies, and children with heart or lung conditions. The Ministry of Health reports RSV is linked to about a quarter of infant pneumonia hospitalizations and up to 75% of bronchiolitis hospitalizations.

Passive immunization is used to protect infants from RSV, while vaccines for adults over 60 and certain at-risk patients are available but not covered by national health services, requiring out-of-pocket payment or supplementary insurance. Meanwhile, leading U.S. medical organizations have issued recommendations for the fall-winter vaccination period, advising nearly everyone over six months to get a flu shot, with special emphasis on the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.