Supplies of other influenza vaccines this season are delayed. The vaccines intended for residents aged 60 and over are expected to arrive by October 16, while the remaining vaccines are expected by November 13. The National Health Service (NHS) emphasizes that these deadlines are based on information from the supplier and may depend on the actual delivery schedule. The delay has affected not only Latvia. The production of vaccines for the 2026/2027 flu season in Europe started later due to the delayed information about the virus strains that need to be included in the formulations, the NHS explained. This season, Latvia plans to purchase 148,336 doses of influenza vaccines. This is an increase of 9,216 doses, or 6.6%, compared to the previous season. If necessary, the government will be able to purchase additional batches. Meanwhile, influenza has already appeared in Latvia. In September, the first laboratory-confirmed cases of illness for the current season were reported. In the 38th week of the year, three cases of influenza were identified. Additionally, a patient with complications caused by influenza has already been treated at the "Latvijas Infektoloģijas centrs" of the Riga East Clinical University Hospital. Infectious disease specialists warn that this year the circulation of the virus began earlier than usual. Therefore, it is possible that the influenza epidemic may also start earlier than usual. Doctors remind that the disease can lead to serious complications.
