Demand for flu vaccines is currently exceeding supply at family doctors’ practices across Latvia, according to Alise Nicmane-Aišpure, head of the Latvian Association of Family Physicians (LĢĀA).
Family doctors currently have access to previously ordered state-funded vaccines for children aged two to 18 with chronic illnesses. However, only very limited quantities of vaccines intended for older people have been delivered.
According to Nicmane-Aišpure, family doctors’ practices have received less than 10% of the flu vaccines ordered for seniors. The remaining doses are expected to arrive this week. Meanwhile, vaccines intended for children aged six months to two years and adults under 60 are currently unavailable. Family doctors are unable to purchase privately funded vaccines or obtain state-funded doses for these population groups, as deliveries are still expected in October and November, Nicmane-Aišpure explained.
As previously reported, Latvia has entered the 2026–2027 monitoring season for influenza and other acute respiratory infections, although some vaccines intended for state-funded immunisation have yet to arrive. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) informed news agency LETA in early October that vaccine deliveries were taking place gradually and later than usual this year.
According to SPKC, influenza vaccine production has been delayed across Europe.
The National Health Service (NVD) explained that the delays were caused by the late availability of information concerning the influenza virus strains to be included in the vaccines. State-funded influenza vaccination this season will be provided using three vaccines intended for different population groups.
Latvia has already received Fluenz, an intranasal vaccine intended for children aged two to 17 who belong to specified health risk groups. Deliveries of Efluelda to family doctors’ practices have also begun. This vaccine is intended for people aged 60 and over, as well as individuals with moderate or severe immunosuppression. Meanwhile, Vaxigrip, intended for other groups eligible for state-funded vaccination, including adults and children with chronic illnesses, is expected to arrive in Latvia by he 13th of November.
SPKC encourages patients in risk groups to contact their family doctors for information about vaccination availability.
According to SPKC monitoring data,
the spread of influenza and other acute respiratory infections remains relatively low at the beginning of the monitoring season
and is slightly below the level recorded during the corresponding period of the previous season. The first laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Latvia this season were registered before official monitoring began and were associated with travel abroad.
For the 2026–2027 influenza season, 48 family doctors’ practices across ten administrative territories are participating in the national monitoring programme. These practices submit weekly information on patients seeking medical assistance for symptoms of influenza, other acute respiratory infections and pneumonia. Authorities also collect data on hospital admissions, severe acute respiratory infections and the circulation of respiratory pathogens. Laboratory testing helps monitor the spread of influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses in Latvia.
Influenza and acute respiratory infection monitoring is conducted annually across all European Union and European Economic Area countries to enable timely assessment of epidemiological conditions, monitor circulating influenza viruses and support the planning and implementation of public health measures.
For the 2026–2027 influenza season, Latvia plans to purchase 148,336 vaccine doses, representing an increase of 9,216 doses, or 6.6%, compared with the previous season.
A total of 2,482,959.64 euros has been allocated for vaccine purchases this season.
According to the National Health Service, additional vaccine doses could be purchased if necessary.
During the previous influenza season, the state initially purchased 133,120 vaccine doses, which was 1.9% more than in the season before.
An additional 6,000 doses were subsequently purchased for just under 20,000 euros, bringing the total to 139,120 doses.
Infectious disease specialists at Riga East University Hospital have warned that influenza circulation began early this year and that the flu epidemic could also start earlier than usual.
Doctors emphasise that influenza can cause serious complications, particularly among people belonging to high-risk groups.
State-funded influenza vaccination is available to children aged six to 23 months, pregnant women and people aged 60 and over.
It is also available to children aged 24 months to 17 years and adults aged 18 and over who have chronic lung, cardiovascular, metabolic or kidney diseases, mental health conditions or immune deficiencies, as well as those receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
Other eligible groups include children aged 24 months to 17 years receiving long-term acetylsalicylic acid therapy.
State-funded vaccination is also provided to healthcare professionals and healthcare support staff whose duties involve close contact with patients.
Employees of long-term social care facilities and palliative care services who work in close contact with clients are also eligible, as are residents of long-term social care facilities.
Residents are encouraged to contact their family doctors to confirm their eligibility and obtain information about vaccination availability.