Health Ministry Official on the New Flu Vaccine: "Identical to COVID Vaccines" | Listen

Prof. Tal Brosh, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Assuta Ashdod, spoke on 103FM about an mRNA flu vaccine approved in the US. He explained that the vaccine is about 20% more effective than the regular one, but noted it won't be relevant in Israel this coming season, hoping it will be registered next year. Brosh stressed the importance of vaccination for the elderly and those with underlying conditions, and said flu vaccines are not as effective as measles or tetanus vaccines.

Prof. Tal Brosh, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Assuta Ashdod Hospital, was interviewed on radio station 103FM about a new mRNA flu vaccine approved in the United States. Brosh explained that the vaccine is based on mRNA technology, where cells themselves produce the neutralizing substance, and noted that this technique is effective and easy to produce. He said research showed the vaccine's efficacy is about 20% higher than the regular vaccine, but added that it won't be relevant in Israel this coming season, hoping it will be registered in the country next year. Brosh emphasized that the flu vaccine is safe and intended for everyone from six months of age and up, and its importance increases with age and underlying conditions. He noted that flu vaccines are not as effective as measles or tetanus vaccines, and in good years their efficacy stands at about 70%. In conclusion, he recommended getting vaccinated with the existing vaccine, regular or high-dose, and not leaving the decision to the patient.