Israel Faces Flu Season Amid Vaccine Shortages and Low Uptake

Israel is experiencing the initial signs of the flu season, with an increase in cases among hospitalized patients and rising visits to family doctors. However, vaccination rates are low, with only 3% of health fund members vaccinated as of October 6. Simultaneously, some individuals seeking the vaccine are encountering shortages, as deliveries are arriving gradually and are expected to be completed by mid-November, potentially after the peak of the season.

Dr. Hefziba Green, head of Internal Medicine at Kaplan Hospital, described the current situation as "absolutely normal," with only isolated cases of flu in hospitals and no significant rise in clinic visits yet. Despite this, parents are concerned. One mother, Inbal, shared her experience with her 7-year-old son, who developed a high fever before Rosh Hashanah, before the flu season officially began and vaccinations were widely available. Her son was diagnosed with Influenza A and suffered for several days.

Health funds are working to address vaccine availability. "Meuhedet" reports sufficient vaccine supply for the season and expects more shipments soon. "Clalit" emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination for immunity development and advises prompt registration. Data from the Ministry of Health shows that as of October 6, only 298,840 Israelis had been vaccinated. Vaccination rates are highest among those over 65 (12.4%) and lowest among teenagers (0.7%) and young children (under 1.5%). Despite low overall numbers, some health funds report higher vaccination rates compared to last year.

Israeli doctors monitor the flu season in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Australia, for insights. Australia experienced a lower incidence of flu this year, with peaks occurring later than usual. Dr. Miki Sorotsky, an Israeli pediatrician in Sydney, noted that viral infections can lead to bacterial complications like invasive streptococcus, causing severe outcomes, alongside typical flu complications such as pneumonia requiring intensive care, especially in young children.

Public trust in vaccines has declined globally and in Israel, impacting vaccination rates for both childhood illnesses and the flu. In the 2025-2026 season, only 19% of Israelis were vaccinated against the flu. While 55% of Israelis over 65 were vaccinated, rates were significantly lower among at-risk groups like young children (16%) and teenagers (7%). Professor Galia Grisaro-Soen attributes low vaccination rates to myths about vaccines causing the flu or being unnecessary for healthy individuals. She suggests that combating misinformation, leveraging recommendations from family doctors and pediatricians, and improving vaccine accessibility, such as through nasal sprays, could increase uptake.