Latvian family doctors short of flu vaccines: under 10% of seniors' doses delivered

Demand for flu vaccines at family doctors' practices in Latvia currently exceeds supply, said Alise Nicmane-Aišpure, head of the Latvian Association of Family Doctors, on 19 October 2026. The shortage affects state-funded vaccines for seniors and other groups, and it matters because flu circulation this year began early.

What is and is not available

Family doctors have the previously ordered state-funded vaccines for children aged two to 18 with chronic illnesses. Only a very small amount of the seniors' vaccines has arrived: less than 10% of what was ordered. The rest has been promised for delivery this week.

Vaccines for children from six months to two years and for adults under 60 are not available at the moment. Practices can neither buy them nor receive them as state-funded doses, because deliveries for these groups are expected in October and November.

Why deliveries are late

The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) explained that flu vaccine production in Europe was delayed. The National Health Service (NVD) said production slipped because information on the flu virus serotypes to be used in the vaccines arrived late.

Three vaccines are planned for state-funded vaccination this season. The intranasal vaccine Fluenz, for children aged two to 17 in certain risk groups, has already arrived. Deliveries of Efluelda, intended for people aged 60 and over and those with moderate or severe immunosuppression, have begun. Vaccine Vaxigrip is expected in Latvia by 13 November.

Procurement and outlook

The state plans to buy 148,336 doses, 6.6% more than last season, at a cost of €2,482,959.64. Extra doses may be purchased if needed.

SPKC data show that flu and other acute respiratory infections are spreading at a relatively low level at the start of the season. Infectious disease specialists at Riga East Clinical University Hospital, however, say an epidemic could begin earlier than usual. People in risk groups are advised to ask their family doctor about vaccination.