Israel Sees Rising Flu Cases Amidst Critically Low Vaccination Rates
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Israel is facing a surge in severe flu cases, with 277 hospitalizations and 15 patients in intensive care as of October 10. Despite the rising numbers, only 4.1% of the population has been vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination rates are particularly low among teenagers and young children. The limited availability of high-dose vaccines for the elderly is also a concern, due to their high cost and exclusion from the health basket.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 277 individuals have been hospitalized with Influenza A in Israel as of October 10.
- Fifteen flu patients are currently in intensive care units in serious condition.
- Only 4.1% of Israel's population has received the flu vaccine this season.
- Vaccination rates are lowest among teenagers (1%) and young children (1.6%-2%).
- The high-dose flu vaccine for seniors has a limited supply of 37,500 doses nationwide.
- The high-dose vaccine is not included in the national health basket and is four times more expensive.
Israel is experiencing a complex flu season, with a significant increase in hospitalizations and severe cases, while vaccination rates remain at a historic low. As of October 10, 277 individuals have tested positive for Influenza A across 14 general hospitals, representing about 60% of the country's inpatient beds. Among those hospitalized, 221 are adults, including over half aged 65 and above, and 54 are children. Fifteen patients, 11 adults and 4 children, are in intensive care units in serious condition. In the last reported week alone, 66 new cases were added.
Despite the rising numbers, only 4.1% of Israel's population, totaling 409,664 individuals, had been vaccinated against the flu as of October 11. Vaccination rates vary by age group, with the highest uptake at 16.7% among those 65 and older. Conversely, teenagers aged 13-18 show the lowest rate at just 1%, and young children between 1.6% and 2% are vaccinated.
The availability of high-dose flu vaccines, recommended for individuals aged 65 and above due to their proven effectiveness in reducing severe illness and hospitalizations, is also limited. Only 37,500 doses of the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine were ordered nationwide. This limited supply is attributed to the vaccine's cost, which is four times higher than the standard flu shot, and its exclusion from the national health basket. The largest health fund, Clalit, ordered only 8,000 doses, while Maccabi ordered 15,000, Leumit 9,000, and Meuhedet 5,500.
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