Severe Flu Complications Lead to Teen's Hospitalization in Israel

A 17-year-old girl is in critical condition in the pediatric intensive care unit at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod after developing severe complications from the flu. She was admitted early Monday, October 26, with a serious infection and dangerously low blood pressure. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she is now in a medically induced coma, on a ventilator, and receiving medication to stabilize her blood pressure. Hospital officials stated the girl had no pre-existing conditions and had not been vaccinated against the flu.

Dr. Noa Rosenfeld, head of the pediatric intensive care unit, emphasized that flu can cause life-threatening complications even in healthy young people and highlighted the importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of severe outcomes. As of October 27, 359 flu patients had been hospitalized in Israel, with 17 in intensive care units, including 13 adults and 4 children. Among the hospitalized were 72 children and adolescents and two pregnant women.

The flu season began in early October, but vaccine supply has been delayed. While some clinics faced shortages in mid-October, the largest health fund, Clalit, reported vaccine availability in 90% of its clinics by October 20. The Ministry of Health described the issues as temporary, citing global supply chain delays and a later-than-usual WHO approval of vaccine formulations. Full vaccine delivery is expected by mid-November.

Data from October 18 showed only 480,332 Israelis, about 4.9% of those covered by health funds, had been vaccinated. Vaccination rates were highest among those over 65 (19.2%) and lowest among teenagers aged 13-18 (1.2%).