Nearly one in six Israelis has been vaccinated against influenza. The Ministry of Health reports a significant increase in flu vaccinations, with over 1.5 million people vaccinated, representing 15.7% of the population. Vaccination rates have risen more than 2% in under ten days and are up over 4% since November 24, when coverage was only 11%. So far, 50.1% of people aged 65 and older have been vaccinated, compared with 55% during the 2022–2023 flu season.
Despite this increase, the health system emphasizes that there is still substantial room for improvement.
Alongside the rising vaccination rates, and given concerns about a potentially severe flu season that has already begun, the health system is preparing for widespread and severe illness. In response, the Ministry of Health strongly promotes preventive measures, recommending that high-risk populations consider wearing masks in indoor and crowded settings. Masks are also recommended for healthcare workers and visitors to nursing homes and geriatric facilities. This guidance builds on the Ministry’s Winter Circular issued in October, which called for increased staffing to reduce workload and respond to winter illnesses.
As part of these preparations, the Ministry convened the Epidemic Management Team (EMT) last week for a comprehensive discussion, with experts joining the Ministry’s call for prompt flu vaccination. Physicians and specialists from health maintenance organizations are also participating. The Ministry recommends vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, with particular emphasis on those 65 and older and people with chronic conditions. While the flu vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it reduces illness severity, and vaccinating children may provide some protection to adults around them.
According to the National Center for Disease Control (MALBAM), as of week 49, 513 new patients tested positive for influenza A and one for influenza B in general hospitals, based on reports from 14 hospitals. Over the past three weeks, four children have died from influenza, three of whom were unvaccinated and one with significant underlying health conditions. By comparison, four children also died during the previous season, with the first death occurring in December.
Globally, in both the Southern and now the Northern Hemisphere, flu activity has been higher than average and earlier than usual. The early rise in cases is linked to a new A(H3N2) influenza subclade—subclade K. Influenza has also started early in Israel. However, there is currently no evidence of unusually severe illness or higher hospitalization rates among children, either worldwide or in Israel, relative to overall flu activity.