According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccine manufacturer informed that the delayed delivery was caused by the prolonged vaccine update process and the delay of necessary reagents. Similar supply challenges are faced by other European countries, including Lithuania’s neighboring states.
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Every year, the composition of the seasonal flu vaccine is updated according to the flu virus types circulating at the time and expected in the upcoming season.
This year, the vaccine composition was updated with all three flu virus strains included in the vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended new strains – A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria viruses – for the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere season.
According to the Ministry of Health, due to these changes, vaccine manufacturers had to adjust and re-adapt the production processes. Production was also complicated by the later identification that the vaccine required the B flu virus strain, as well as delays and shortages of some reagents needed for production.
For the same reasons, all European countries, including Lithuania, face similar supply challenges.
It is announced that the ministry is cooperating with international institutions regarding the situation. Currently, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is collecting information from member states about the extent of vaccine delays, contacting the European Medicines Agency, the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and plans to provide summarized information.
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The Ministry of Health points out that a later start of vaccination does not mean that people will lose the opportunity to protect themselves from the flu, as the vaccine can be administered even after the season begins. Usually, an increase in flu incidence is recorded in autumn, in October–November, with the peak incidence in January and February. Immune protection forms approximately 10–14 days after vaccination.
According to the ministry, although the vaccine delivery time changed this year due to the updated vaccine composition and production processes, this does not mean it will be too late to get vaccinated. Once the vaccines reach healthcare institutions, people in risk groups will be invited to get vaccinated free of charge.
As in previous years, people belonging to risk groups will be vaccinated against the flu at the state’s expense: children aged 2–7 years and persons aged 65 and older, pregnant women, those with chronic diseases (regardless of age), residents of nursing and care facilities, as well as healthcare workers and medical students whose practical training takes place in healthcare institutions.
The State Health Insurance Fund has purchased 250,000 doses of the trivalent flu vaccine for this flu season with funds from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund budget – 12% more than last flu season. When the vaccines arrive in Lithuania, they will be delivered to healthcare institutions, and residents belonging to risk groups will be able to contact the healthcare institution where they are registered for vaccination.
Residents not belonging to risk groups can get vaccinated at their own expense at any healthcare institution or pharmacy offering this service.
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