Severe Flu Cases Prompt Israeli Health Ministry Call for Vaccination

The urgent appeal follows the hospitalization of an unvaccinated 17-year-old girl with no pre-existing health conditions. She was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Assuta Ashdod Hospital in serious and critical condition, where she was sedated and placed on a ventilator. The teenager arrived at the hospital suffering from a severe infection and a dangerous drop in blood pressure, with her condition deteriorating rapidly within hours.

Health experts warn that influenza can cause severe complications even in young, healthy individuals. Professor Tal Brosh of Assuta Ashdod explained that the virus can weaken the respiratory system's defenses, leading to secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia, or directly damage the lungs. Other potential complications include myocarditis and encephalitis. Dr. Rivka Sheffer, District Health Officer for Tel Aviv, noted that studies show the vaccine can cut the risk of death from the disease by up to half.

Despite the early start to the season, vaccination rates in Israel remain low. According to Maariv, only 4% of the public has been vaccinated, with the rate among teenagers aged 13 to 17 standing at just 1.2%. Vesty reported that as of October 18, the overall vaccination rate was 4.9%. The vaccine is available free of charge through health funds for anyone aged six months and older, and experts emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated, as protection develops within approximately two weeks.