Flu continues to climb: 609 hospitalized, 153 new hospitalizations, only 8.2% vaccinated

Influenza morbidity in Israel continues to rise: 609 have been hospitalized since the start of monitoring, 153 new hospitalizations this week, and 19 deaths. The overall vaccination rate stands at only 8.2%, and among those aged 65 and over – 31.4%.

Influenza morbidity in Israel continues to rise, while vaccination rates remain low. According to the monitoring report of the National Center for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, published today (Wednesday), the increase in visits to clinics due to influenza-like illness continued, and activity is above the epidemic threshold. At the same time, 19 deaths were reported among hospitalized patients confirmed with influenza, within 30 days of confirmation, most of them aged 65 and over. As of the beginning of the month, 810,393 insured individuals in health funds have been vaccinated against influenza, which is only 8.2%. In the 14 general hospitals participating in the monitoring, 153 new hospitalized patients confirmed with influenza were reported during the week, of which 152 were influenza A and one was influenza B. Among the new hospitalizations were 114 adults, 37 children, and two pregnant women. Since the start of the monitoring period, a total of 609 hospitalized patients confirmed with influenza have been reported in these hospitals. Vaccination data indicate significant gaps between age groups: the highest vaccination rate is among those aged 65 and over – 31.4%, while among toddlers aged 6 to 23 months it stands at only 4.3%.