The flu vaccine has arrived in Croatia and its distribution has begun, with vaccination expected to start tomorrow in certain public health institutes. This was stated on Wednesday by Krunoslav Capak, director of the Croatian Public Health Institute (HZJZ).
Capak explained the delay in the vaccine's arrival by the need to change its composition in line with estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO). He said that manufacturers had to adapt production due to the change in composition, adding that the vaccine's composition had to be altered and that everything is now complete and the vaccine has arrived in Croatia. He made these remarks to journalists ahead of the National Reitox Academy on the treatment of disorders caused by stimulant use.
WHO recommendations for vaccine composition are based on monitoring the circulation of specific flu virus types. This monitoring includes the presence of the virus in the southern hemisphere during its winter season and the first appearances of the virus in the autumn months. Based on this data, it is estimated which virus strains are most likely to circulate during the upcoming flu season, and the vaccine composition is adjusted to provide the best possible protection.
HZJZ previously reported that 420,000 doses of the vaccine were ordered for this flu season. Capak emphasised that individual cases of flu have already been recorded in Croatia, noting that this is usual for this time of year. He said that individual cases begin to be reported in autumn, with the start of the school year and after students return from graduation trips. He added that these are not large numbers and that there are fewer cases than last year.
According to HZJZ data, 428 reports of illness have been received from the start of the flu season to 1 November, of which 130 were received last week. Reports have been received from most counties, with the highest incidence rate recorded among preschool and school-age children.
