Israel Launches Flu Vaccination Campaign Amid Gradual Vaccine Arrival

Israel's annual flu vaccination campaign for the upcoming winter is set to begin next week, with health funds receiving vaccines gradually throughout September and October due to an updated vaccine composition. Clalit, the country's largest health fund, has ordered over one million injectable doses and 25,000 nasal spray vaccines. Last winter, Clalit administered approximately 980,000 flu shots, with about 55% of individuals aged 65 and above vaccinated.

Maccabi health fund reported that around 560,000 of its members were vaccinated last year, a 28% increase from the previous year. The highest vaccination rates were observed among those 65 and older (54%), followed by pregnant women (31%). Maccabi's chief nurse urged the public, especially at-risk populations, to get vaccinated, noting last winter's significant illness rates.

Leumit health fund explained that global production and supply delays, stemming from the vaccine composition update, are affecting vaccine availability in Israel at the season's start. They anticipate larger quantities arriving in October, noting that many Israelis prefer to get vaccinated after the holidays. Leumit has ordered about 250,000 doses, including high-dose vaccines for those 65+ and nasal spray vaccines for ages 2 to 49.

Medical professionals across all health funds emphasized that influenza is not a mild illness. Dr. Bat-Sheva Guttman, an infectious disease specialist at Clalit, warned that the flu can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, with risks potentially rising significantly in the week following infection. She added that the vaccine not only reduces respiratory illness and complications but may also lower the risk of cardiac events and strokes, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing conditions.

Dr. David Shahar, an infectious disease specialist at Leumit, based his forecast on Southern Hemisphere data, indicating a non-abnormal flu season in terms of scope but with higher rates of illness among children. He highlighted that healthy children died from flu complications last year and urged parental awareness. Despite a late-stage viral mutation, the vaccine provided over 50% protection, which is crucial for those at risk of severe illness.