Flu vaccine deliveries to Estonia will extend into January

Flu vaccines will arrive in Estonia later than usual this season, with the final shipment expected in January, ERR reported, citing the State Agency of Medicines. Production and deliveries across Europe were delayed after all flu strains in the vaccines were updated at once on the recommendation of the World Health Organization.

The first shipment is due in late October, the second in mid-November and the third in January. They are expected to make up 40%, 20% and 40% of the total supply, respectively, although the manufacturers’ forecasts may change.

Estonia is set to receive 233,000 doses this season, up from 210,000 last season. Vaccination of people in risk groups is due to begin in late October and early November, with 93,000 doses allocated for them.

The Estonian Health Insurance Fund will announce when the vaccines have arrived and are available at vaccination centres. People will then be able to book appointments through the health portal.

The Fluenz nasal spray used for children and adolescents, and the Efluelda vaccine used for older people, are already available in Estonia. The Health Board currently assesses flu spread in the country as low, while European surveillance data do not point to an imminent flu wave. It is difficult to predict when this season’s flu activity will increase.