The health insurance funds: time to vaccinate against flu
With the start of the 2024-2025 flu season, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under the Ministry of Health urges people at risk to take the time to get a free flu vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones. All medical institutions in Lithuania are already stocked with vaccines for this season.
In Lithuania, the flu season usually starts in October and peaks in December and February. The flu vaccine develops immunity in about two weeks, with peak antibody levels occurring 4-6 weeks after the injection, so you should not wait to get the flu vaccine.
In preparation for the upcoming cold season, the NHIF bought the quadrivalent flu vaccine back in February. The purchase cost the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) just over EUR 900 thousand. Compared to last year, the cost per dose has fallen by as much as 28%.
“The seasonal flu vaccine is essential to protect the public from severe forms of flu, hospitalisation and complications. This vaccine is particularly relevant for people at risk, for whom the flu can be very dangerous or even fatal. Therefore, we urge people to hurry up and get the vaccine at their health care facility where they are registered”, says Agnė Grušeckienė, Adviser of the Centrally Procured Pharmaceuticals Division of NHIF.
The vaccine purchased with CHIF resources is being used to vaccinate at-risk groups, as it has been every year: people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, people living in social care and nursing homes, people with chronic diseases and healthcare workers, who are at the greatest direct risk of contracting the flu from interacting with people who are ill. In addition, this year, a new feature has been introduced: children aged 2 to 7 years (inclusive) are also eligible for the reimbursable flu vaccine.
People at risk should contact their family doctor if they wish to be vaccinated. Both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same visit. It is recommended that you consult your doctor about the most appropriate vaccination schedule for you before you get the vaccine.
The NHIF reminds that the vaccine is produced newly for each flu season and is distributed to health care facilities according to pre-determined needs. This year, more than 223 thousand doses of the flu vaccine have been delivered to Lithuanian health care facilities.
The NHIF invites you:
- Read the most important news on Facebook: https://goo.gl/ML8SqJ
- See recent pictures on Instagram: https://goo.gl/tXvpXr
- Watch videos on Youtube: https://goo.gl/BPBep2
- Follow exclusive infographics and more in Flickr: https://goo.gl/Hsyhq4
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/2sxfh66j
- Your questions are welcome by email [email protected] or phone +370 5 232 2222
Last updated: 28-11-2024
Related news:
21 tonnes of medicine waste in six months: are we looking after the environment or wasting money?
The health insurance funds: travel with your European Health Insurance Card and stay safe
Compulsory Health Insurance Fund Reserve: EUR 145 million for essential healthcare needs
More effective pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia