Israel’s health funds are launching their flu vaccination campaigns ahead of the 2026 to 2027 winter season, although this year’s rollout will be gradual. Meuhedet Health Services received its first shipment on Thursday, and vaccinations are expected to begin next week.
The vaccines will arrive in Israel in several shipments, with the health funds expected to expand availability at clinics as additional supplies reach the country throughout September and October.
Health officials are urging the public, particularly at-risk populations, to get vaccinated as soon as vaccines become available. Last winter, approximately 980,000 Clalit Health Services patients received flu vaccines, while the vaccination rate among people aged 65 and older was about 55%.
“Our goal is to allow the public to get vaccinated as early as possible so that they can protect themselves and their families from the flu and its complications,” said Ronen Nudelman, deputy director-general and head of Clalit’s Community Division.
Nudelman said every shipment arriving in Israel would be quickly distributed to vaccination centers and clinics.
Clalit orders over one million injectable vaccines, 25,000 nasal sprays
Clalit, Israel’s largest health fund, will launch its vaccination campaign next week, as will the other health funds. It has ordered more than one million injectable flu vaccines, along with 25,000 nasal spray vaccines for people ages two to 49.
Because supplies will arrive gradually, the vaccines will initially be administered at major clinics and designated vaccination centers. The campaign will later be expanded to all Clalit clinics nationwide.
Meuhedet has also ordered approximately 250,000 vaccines, similar to last year. These include a high-dose vaccine for people aged 65 and older, which will be administered to at-risk populations; an inactivated injectable vaccine; and, later, the FluMist nasal spray vaccine for people ages two to 49. Deliveries to clinics will continue gradually until Sukkot.
“The vaccines are arriving in Israel and at clinics gradually this year, and it is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to get vaccinated,” said Hagar Wexler, director of Meuhedet’s Nursing Division.
“We expect vaccination on a more significant scale to become possible during October,” she said.
“It is important to remember that the flu is not a mild illness, and last year we saw significant morbidity and a heavy burden on hospitals. The goal is to enter flu season protected, so once the vaccine is available at the clinic, there is no reason to wait,” she added.