This winter as well, there will not be enough doses of the flu vaccine adapted to the elderly population: the health funds have purchased only about 28,65 flu vaccines in increased doses, intended for those aged <> and over.
This is despite the fact that the Ministry of Health's Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended this year for the first time that "clear priority" be given to these vaccines, which are more effective for those aged 65 and over. However, it should be noted that the elderly are recommended to be vaccinated in general for the flu even with regular vaccination – of which the health funds purchased about 2 million doses.
Flu scare: vaccination appointments at the clinic in Ramat Hasharon (Archive) // Photo: Hagit Ketev-Levy
A man receives a flu vaccine (illustration), photo: AFP
Those aged 65 and over are considered at risk for flu complications, and the vaccination rate among them is relatively high, standing at about 60 per cent of about 1.1 million people last year, so that about 650,20 vaccines are needed for this population – <> times more than what was actually purchased.
"The disease is dangerous"
Prof. Eli Somekh, Chairman of the Ministry of Health's Advisory Committee on Infectious Diseases and Vaccines: "We recommended that those aged 65 and over receive the increased vaccine. For the most part, the possibility of receiving it depends on the availability of the vaccine, and it can be said that there is a greater preference for those aged 75 and over. This is the population for whom the flu is a more dangerous disease.
"This vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen that of the regular vaccine. Adults have a weaker immune response, so the immune response to this vaccine is better. The increased vaccination reduces the risk of complications and hospitalization by about 14 per cent, and the later the age, the greater the effect."
"Better vaccination". Prof. Somekh, Photo: None
Last year, the adapted vaccine was used in Israel for the first time. At the time, we revealed in Israel Hayom that of the approximately 2.1 million flu vaccines bought, only 1.5% (28,<> vaccines) were from the increased vaccine. A similar situation is emerging this year as well.
General at the top
In total, the HMOs purchased 1.995 million flu vaccines. Clalit Health Services purchased 1.125 million vaccines, 10,000 of which are in increased doses and intended for nursing homes. Maccabi Health Services purchased half a million, including 8,000 in increased doses, intended for "patients at high risk of flu complications." Meuhedet purchased 250,5, 000,120 of which are for the elderly; And Leumit purchased 5,000, <>,<> of which are intended for the elderly population.
Ministry of Health. They recommended giving "clear priority" to these vaccines, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Sanofi, the manufacturer of the vaccine, said in response: "We welcome the emerging recommendation to make the flu vaccine accessible in the increased dose to the elderly population, similar to many Western countries. Sanofi will make every effort to make the vaccine accessible to the elderly population in Israel for the upcoming winter season, in accordance with orders."
The Health Ministry said in response: "The issue is under discussion. The ministry recommends that the general public be vaccinated for influenza with all available vaccines, which are effective and safe."
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