Israel Faces Sharp Rise in Flu Hospitalizations Amid Low Vaccination Rates

The start of the current flu season in Israel has led to a significant increase in hospitalizations and a heightened burden on the healthcare system. Doctors are observing a simultaneous rise in severe cases requiring hospitalization and a continued low response to the national immunization campaign. According to the National Center for Disease Control, monitoring of 14 major Israeli clinics revealed the presence of influenza A virus in 277 hospitalized patients. Medical reports indicate the infection is spreading among vulnerable populations, with laboratory tests confirming the diagnosis in 221 adults, primarily those over 65, and 54 children, along with two pregnant women. Fifteen patients, including 11 adults and 4 children, are in critical condition in intensive care units. The virus's spread has accelerated, with 66 new hospitalizations reported in just one week. Vaccination rates remain insufficient to establish robust herd immunity, with health insurers having vaccinated just over 409,000 citizens, representing only 4.1% of the population. While 16.7% of individuals over 65 have received the vaccine, vaccination coverage for adolescents and younger children is significantly lower, ranging from 1% to 2%. A notable challenge exists in the accessibility of specialized flu medications for high-risk groups. The high-dose Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, proven to reduce confirmed flu cases by a quarter and the risk of severe pneumonia by nearly 9%, has seen limited procurement. Despite its clinical benefits for the elderly, the national order for this vaccine was only 37,500 units. Distribution among the major health funds has been uneven, with Maccabi receiving 15,000 doses, Leumit 9,000, Clalit 8,000, and Meuhedet 5,500. These limitations are attributed to the vaccine's fourfold higher cost compared to standard versions and its absence from the state's basket of subsidized medical services.