Flu vaccines still en route to Latvia as doctors warn epidemic could start earlier this year

Latvia's National Health Service (NVD) has announced that the first batches of flu vaccines for this season are expected to reach the country by September 30. These initial shipments consist of nasal-spray vaccines intended for people in risk groups.

A higher-strength vaccine, with 60 micrograms of antigen and intended for seniors aged 60 and above, is due to arrive by October 16. A lower-strength version, at 15 micrograms, is expected by November 13. The NVD notes that these delivery timelines are based on information provided by the vaccine supplier.

Production delays across Europe

According to the health service, vaccine production across Europe has been delayed this year because manufacturers received information about which flu virus strains to include later than usual.

For this flu season, Latvia plans to purchase 148,336 doses of flu vaccine — an increase of 9,216 doses, or 6.6%, compared with last season. Additional doses could be procured if needed.

First cases already confirmed

The Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) has already reported that the first laboratory-confirmed flu cases of the season were detected in Latvia in September. Three cases were confirmed in the calendar year's 38th week, and a patient with flu-related complications has already been treated at RAKUS's Latvian Centre for Infectious Diseases.

Hospital infectious disease specialists say the virus began circulating unusually early this year, raising the possibility that the flu epidemic itself could also start earlier than in previous years. Doctors remind the public that influenza can cause severe complications, particularly among those in risk groups.