Flu Vaccine Delivery Delays Also Raise Concern in Healthcare Institutions

Flu cases are gradually increasing in Latvia, while delayed vaccine deliveries are preventing some residents from getting vaccinated against the virus in time. The situation is also causing concern in healthcare institutions, which are worried about the health of doctors, nurses and other staff.

Incidence is rising

Data from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC), the state body that monitors the spread of infectious diseases, show that an average of 9.2 flu cases per 100,000 residents were registered last week. The figure a week earlier was 8 cases per 100,000 residents, an increase of 1.2.

Not enough vaccines for everyone

The flu season in Latvia has already begun, but vaccine deliveries are delayed, so some residents still have no chance to get a shot. At the same time, interest in vaccination is growing.

Concern for medical staff

Healthcare institutions are also worried about their employees' health. They describe such a delay as unprecedented, which gave the report its headline: "This has never happened before." A shortage of vaccines at the start of the season is especially noticeable in a sector where employees deal with sick people every day.

It will take some time before the vaccines reach Latvia and become available to those who want to be vaccinated. Until then, incidence figures continue to rise.