Health officials: Influvac delays won’t compromise flu protection, diepresse.com

On Oct. 5, 2026, health officials announced that delayed shipments of approximately 868,000 doses of the Influvac influenza vaccine will not compromise protection for the upcoming flu season, diepresse.com reported. Maria Paulke-Korinek, head of the immunization department at the Ministry of Health, stated that the exact start of the season remains unknown, though vaccinations are typically recommended in late October or November.

The Ministry of Health prioritized highly vulnerable groups due to supply chain disruptions caused by production issues and fragile international supply chains. For children aged two to 18, approximately 259,000 doses are available, while people over 50 receive about 538,000 doses. An additional 100,000 doses are currently in transit for infants, pregnant individuals, and at-risk patients.

Total orders for the current season reached nearly 1.7 million free influenza vaccine doses, marking a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. The long-term objective is to achieve a 75 percent vaccination rate among elderly individuals and other high-risk groups. During the 2025/26 season, the overall vaccination rate against the true flu stood at 13 percent, while coverage for individuals over 65 reached approximately 24 percent.

Medical Chamber and FPÖ Criticize Vaccine Delays

Rudolf Schmitzberger, head of the immunization affairs department at the Austrian Medical Chamber, criticized persistent shortcomings in the public vaccination program, citing the current influenza vaccine delays alongside ongoing availability issues with the shingles vaccine and ordering bottlenecks in the e-Impfshop. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) similarly condemned the delayed arrival of nearly 900,000 doses as an unacceptable condition.

Meanwhile, nasal spray vaccines for children aged two to 18 are already being distributed, alongside doses for individuals over 60 and specific risk groups. Paulke-Korinek noted during a press conference held by the Association of Vaccine Manufacturers (ÖVIH) that sufficient quantities are anticipated between calendar weeks 43 and 44, spanning mid-to-late October, to vaccinate infants aged six months and older, pregnant individuals, and close contacts of newborns.

Co-Circulation Of Respiratory Pathogens And Preventative Care

Pulmonologist Arschang Valipour highlighted the current co-circulation of Covid-19, influenza, pneumococci, RSV, and other pathogens following a period of minimal transmission during pandemic-era restrictions. Valipour emphasized that every infection can lead to a sustained loss of muscle strength, mobility, and independence in older adults, while respiratory infections increase vulnerability to subsequent illnesses.

Wastewater analysis and hospital data indicate an initial slight rise in Covid-19 case numbers. The updated Austrian immunization plan recommends receiving a coronavirus booster in late summer or autumn. Pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations are also advised for individuals aged 60 and older as well as high-risk groups.

Economic Impact Of The Public Immunization Program

According to the study, the investigated vaccinations could prevent approximately 643,000 cases of illness and about 3,600 deaths within five years. Furthermore, they could avoid roughly 152,000 sick days and a total of approximately two million sick days. This translates to potential savings of around €1.06 billion for the healthcare system and the economy over this period.

Sigrid Haslinger

The rollout timeline depends on whether subsequent delivery milestones are met by manufacturers ahead of the late autumn immunization window.

Whether upcoming deliveries will arrive without further disruption and whether the long-term 75 percent vaccination target for vulnerable populations will be met remain open questions as the immunization campaign progresses.