Ministry of Health: Seasonal flu vaccines expected to arrive this month

The Ministry of Health announced that it is taking steps to secure seasonal flu vaccines as quickly as possible, with the aim of starting the immunization of vulnerable groups in line with the plan.

According to the ministry, the delay is linked to a global production difficulty caused by changes in the types of viruses included in this season’s vaccine. Supplies through international channels are expected to arrive this month.

The ministry explained that no bids were submitted for the announced procurement tender. It stressed that the cause was not the procedure followed in the country, but a production problem at the global level. For the first time this year, all three viral types included in the vaccine have been changed simultaneously: two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain. Their update by the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration led to a delay in the start of production by companies around the world.

To secure the vaccines, the Ministry of Health said it is maintaining continuous contact with countries in the region and with other states, while expecting supplies to arrive soon, within this month.

The ministry emphasized that vaccination is the safest protection against severe forms of flu and complications, particularly for people with chronic illnesses, the elderly and pregnant women. Citizens will be informed in a timely manner of any new developments.