Ministry of Health: flu vaccines expected this month, delayed by global production issue

The Ministry of Health says seasonal influenza vaccines for vulnerable groups are expected to be secured during this month, after a delay caused by problems in global production.

Officials said the public tender launched domestically received no bids, and stressed that the cause is not a fault in the national procurement process but a specific decision by international health authorities.

“This year, for the first time all three viral strains in the vaccine composition were changed at once (two for influenza A and one for influenza B). The World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated the three strains together, which delayed the start of production by manufacturers worldwide,” the Ministry of Health explained.

Coordination with regional and international partners

The ministry added it is maintaining continuous contact with neighbouring countries and other partners to obtain the required doses through international channels. It reiterated that vaccination remains the most reliable protection against complications for people with chronic illnesses, older adults and pregnant women.

Officials said citizens will be informed separately about the exact start date of the vaccination campaign and that priority will be given to the most vulnerable groups once doses arrive.

Photo: press material from the event