Flu season begins in Latvia, but some state-funded vaccines are still awaited
Latvia's Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has started monitoring for the 2026–2027 flu season, but delayed vaccine production in Europe means deliveries are arriving gradually. Illness levels are so far lower than at this point last year.
Monitoring of influenza and other acute respiratory infections for the 2026–2027 season has begun in Latvia. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) told the LETA news agency that some of the vaccines intended for state-funded vaccination have not yet arrived.
Why vaccines are late
SPKC explains that flu vaccine production in Europe was delayed, so deliveries to Latvia this year are coming in stages and somewhat later than usual. The National Health Service earlier said the cause was late information about the influenza virus serotypes to be used in the vaccines.
Three vaccines will be used for state-funded vaccination this season. The nasal vaccine Fluenz has already been received; it is intended for children aged two to 17 who belong to certain health risk groups. Deliveries of Efluelda to family doctors' practices start this week; it is meant for people aged 60 and over and for those with moderate or severe immunosuppression. Vaxigrip, intended for other target groups, including adults and children with chronic illnesses, is expected by 13 November.
Infection figures
At the start of monitoring, the spread of flu and other acute respiratory infections is relatively low and slightly below last season's level. Between 28 September and 4 October, flu was clinically diagnosed in three patients, or 3.9 cases per 100,000 residents, compared with 9.9 at the same point last season. A total of 918 patients saw family doctors with symptoms of other acute respiratory infections.
Flu was not confirmed in any of 166 laboratory samples, while one sample showed RSV. The share of positive Covid-19 samples was 1.2%.
Infectious disease specialists at Riga East University Hospital, however, say flu circulation began early this year and an epidemic could start earlier than usual.
Procurement and eligibility
The state plans to buy 148,336 vaccine doses, 6.6% more than last season, at a cost of €2,482,959.64. State-funded vaccination is available to, among others, children aged six to 23 months, pregnant women and people aged 60 and over, as well as certain groups with chronic conditions and healthcare workers. SPKC urges residents to ask their family doctor.
