The Association of Nursing Homes demands that the Ministry of Health prioritize the administration of the new flu vaccines (Fluzon
HD
) in increased doses to nursing home residents.
This follows the publication in "Israel Today" about a week and a half ago, in which it was revealed that only 1.5% of the flu vaccines purchased (less than 30 thousand) are designated vaccines for those 65 and older.
Nachi Katz, CEO of the Association of Nursing Homes and Sheltered Housing, wrote to Prof. Nachman Ash, CEO of the Ministry of Health: "In light of the reports that a severe flu epidemic is expected this coming winter, and professional recommendations from all over the world about making a new vaccine with an increased dose available to those 65 plus, We call on the Ministry of Health to join countries and medical associations all over the world that recommend this increased vaccination and make it accessible to the adult population in Israel as well.
Director General of the Ministry of Health, Nachman Ash, photo: Dafna Gazit
"It is a vaccine that contains a higher amount of antigen and provides the elderly with a 24% higher protection envelope compared to existing vaccines. There is no such recommendation in Israel, the HMOs make the vaccine very limited/partial, and currently it is not accessible to the entire adult population. In light of the above, And out of the clear public interest in the matter, we will acknowledge the availability of increased dose flu vaccines for the elderly population in preparation for the upcoming flu season," he wrote.
As we published, the health funds are expected to start vaccinating against the flu in September and have ordered 2.18 million vaccines.
However, only about 1.5% of the vaccines, 28,500, are of the Flozon type - a new vaccine with an increased dose intended for the population aged 65 and over.
At the same time, it is important to know that the older population is recommended to be vaccinated with the "regular" flu vaccine as well.
Recently, the American Center for Disease Control and Research (CDC) recommended that beginning with the upcoming winter season, the use of high-dose flu vaccines should be preferred for adults aged 65 and over, in order to reduce the chance of severe morbidity and mortality from the disease.
The Ministry of Health responded: "The vaccine with the increased dose will be used in Israel for the first time in the coming season. Naturally, we cannot expect the population's response to the vaccine. Also, it should be noted that not all those 65 and older are at equal risk of developing a more serious disease."
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