A ten-and-a-half-year-old girl from central Israel has died from influenza. She was generally healthy and up to date on routine vaccinations but had not received a flu shot. Her parents reported fever and sore throat before she was hospitalized in critical condition.
The Ministry of Health warns that flu transmission has reached epidemic levels, with each infected person spreading the virus to more than one individual.
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, especially those 65+, people with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart, lung, kidney disease, or cancer), and children under five.
Although the vaccine doesn’t fully prevent infection, it greatly reduces severity, lowers the risk of complications, and prevents serious outcomes. The vaccine is free at HMOs.
Vaccinating children and young people also offers some protection to adults around them.
About 1.1 million HMO members have been vaccinated so far—half aged 65 and older, around 11% of all members. Yet 60% of those 65+, 85% of the chronically ill, and 77% of pregnant women remain unvaccinated. Early data indicate this season may be more severe than previous years.
Last year, at least 422 hospitalized flu patients died in Israel, including four children under 18, four adults under 35, and 17 under 50. Data from 13 general hospitals covering 60% of hospitalizations suggest the actual number is higher.