Family doctors report flu vaccine shortages in Latvia

Demand for flu vaccines at family doctors’ practices in Latvia currently exceeds supply, LSM reported, citing Alise Nicmane-Aišpure, head of the Latvian Association of Family Physicians.

Practices have received the state-funded vaccines they ordered for children aged two to 18 with chronic illnesses. Only small quantities of vaccines for seniors have arrived: practices have received less than 10% of the number ordered, Nicmane-Aišpure said. The remaining doses are expected to be delivered this week.

Vaccines for children aged six months to under two and adults under 60 are not currently available. Practices cannot buy privately funded doses or obtain state-funded vaccines for these groups, with deliveries expected in October and November, she said.

Latvia’s 2026–2027 monitoring season for flu and other acute respiratory infections has begun, but some vaccines intended for state-funded immunisation are still awaited. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said production was delayed in Europe, resulting in vaccine deliveries to Latvia arriving gradually and later than usual. The National Health Service attributed the delay to late information about the flu virus strains to be included in the vaccines.

State-funded vaccination this season will use three vaccines for different groups. The nasal spray Fluenz has arrived for children aged two to 17 in specified health risk groups. Deliveries of Efluelda have begun for people aged 60 and older and those with moderate or severe immunosuppression. Vaxigrip, intended for other groups eligible for state-funded vaccination, including adults and children with chronic illnesses, is expected in Latvia by November 13.

The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advises people in risk groups to contact their family doctor’s practice about vaccination.