Flu vaccinations in Croatia will start early this year, mid-October, due to the coronavirus epidemic, 590,000 doses of vaccine have been ordered, and a plan is being prepared to carry out vaccinations in adherence with all epidemiological measures.

“In January we ordered 460,000 doses of the vaccine, and now an additional 130,000 doses have been ordered. Soon, 560,000 doses should arrive, and 30,000 more in December. That is how many could be procured on the world market given the insufficient quantities of the flu vaccine,” epidemiologist Branko Kolaric told Hina.

This is more than last year, when about 400,000 doses of the vaccine were ordered through the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO), said Kolaric.

Vaccination could start between October 15 and 20

He expects vaccination could start between October 15 and 20, which is three or four weeks earlier than last year. Priority groups include people above the age of 65, health workers, staff in nursing homes, people with chronic diseases, and this year experts recommend getting vaccinated for the flu as a measure of protection against the coronavirus.

A plan is in preparation to carry out vaccination in adherence with epidemiological measures, and those belonging to risk groups should be vaccinated first, said Kolaric.

Flu epidemic accelerates spread of coronavirus

A flu epidemic accelerates the spread of coronavirus, and if the two infections occur at the same time, we have a disease with a severe clinical picture, Kolaric said.

“In recent years, there has been an increase in the interest in vaccination, which had a downward trend in the 2000s due to the so-called anti-vaccination movement. This year, the interest is even stronger due to the coronavirus epidemic,” he said.

During the last flu season, which lasted until May 17 this year, Croatia recorded 59,725 cases of the infection. Last year’s data show that the death toll from the flu was 117.

The flu vaccine is also available in pharmacies, its price is HRK 96.39 and it is in great demand, said president of the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacists (HLJK), Ana Soldo.