Latvia Faces Flu Vaccine Shortage as Cases Rise

Latvia Faces Acute Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shortage as Incidence Rises

Latvia is experiencing a shortage of seasonal flu vaccines, with demand in family doctors’ practices exceeding available supply for both children and adults, according to reports. The shortage impacts high-risk patients with chronic conditions as well as healthy residents seeking immunization. According to the Latvian Association of Family Doctors, supplies currently held by family physicians consist primarily of high-dose vaccines intended strictly for patients over 60 years old. These specific high-dose shipments arrived in clinics over the last few days. Meanwhile, specialized vaccines designated for children aged two to 17 with chronic diseases and other qualifying risk groups have been largely depleted across most medical practices after arriving in initially insufficient quantities. At the same time, standard flu vaccines for children starting from six months of age and adults up to 59 years old are virtually unavailable. This unavailability affects both paid and state-funded immunization pathways.

Rising Flu Incidence and High-Risk Groups

Data from the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) shows that flu incidence in Latvia climbed by 15% over the preceding week, shifting from eight to 9.2 cases per 100,000 residents. Public health experts note that late October and early November represent the optimal window for seasonal vaccination. Receiving the vaccine helps mitigate the risk of severe illness, dangerous medical complications, and hospital admissions.

While immunization with the Efluelda vaccine—allocated for people over 60 and patients diagnosed with specific immune disorders—continues across the country, access for younger demographics remains constrained.

Expected Delivery Timeline for New Vaccine Batches

The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) has promised that the next consignment of vaccines will arrive in Latvia by November 13, according to reports. Following national delivery, family doctors anticipate receiving the incoming supplies in their local practices by November 18. The upcoming distribution is expected to include shipments of the Vaxigrip vaccine to cover population groups currently left without access.

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