Flu vaccines will arrive in Estonia at the end of October, with the last ones arriving in January. The vaccines are coming later because the flu strains were changed worldwide. This has made production more complex and slower.
Ott Laius, deputy director of the State Agency of Medicines, says that the new flu strains required changes. Therefore, vaccine production took more time.
Estonia is a small country and not a major market. Argo Lätt, a family doctor, says that Estonia is not a significant market share for vaccine manufacturers.
Estonia will receive over 230,000 vaccine doses in total. This is slightly more than last year. The first vaccines will go to risk groups.
Hanna Jäe, head of the Health Insurance Fund, says that the first batch of vaccines will arrive at the end of October. The second batch will come in November.
There are currently few flu cases, so there is no need to rush. Vaccines can also be administered later in the winter. Doctors say there is still time.
Argo Lätt says that vaccine demand is hard to predict. Some years see high sales, while other years see fewer.
Vaccines for children and the elderly are already available. Others will have to wait. The State Agency of Medicines recommends remembering the rules from the coronavirus era: stay home when sick, wash your hands, and wear masks in crowded places.