The flu vaccination campaign is startingThe flu vaccination season officially began on November 2, 2026, slightly later than previous years due to reported delays in vaccine supply according to the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). Two types of vaccines are available free of charge under mandatory health insurance: Influvac for adults and children over six months old, and Fluad for adults aged 50 and older. Both vaccines are trivalent, containing antigens for three predicted influenza strains, but Fluad includes an adjuvant designed to boost immune response in older adults whose systems may react less effectively to standard vaccines. NIJZ states that while mild side effects like pain or fever may occur more frequently with the adjuvanted vaccine, research has not shown increased risks of serious adverse events. The institute recommends annual vaccination because immunity wanes and viruses mutate, noting that those who already received Influvac this season do not need additional doses.
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Interest in flu vaccination in Ljubljana is high, and additional appointment slots have been openedSeasonal flu vaccination has begun across Slovenia, available through health centers, selected doctors, and National Institute of Dr. Josip Stanič (NIJZ) units. In Ljubljana, high demand led to fully booked initial slots, prompting the local health center to open additional appointments for patients without a designated family doctor. These extra slots are scheduled for November 9, 16, and 23, and registration is handled via the online portal. NIJZ emphasizes that widespread vaccination helps maintain normal operations in hospitals, businesses, and schools during winter, while specifically recommending shots for vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. This year’s campaign utilizes two distinct vaccines: Influvac for general populations and Fluarix for adults over 50, the latter containing an adjuvant to boost immune response in older individuals. Both vaccines are covered by mandatory health insurance, making them free for insured citizens.
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The flu vaccination campaign is startingFlu vaccination campaigns across Slovenia officially began on November 2, 2026, according to the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). Dr. Marta Grgič Vitek, the national vaccination coordinator, stated during a press conference that the vaccine is recommended for all residents over six months old, particularly those at higher risk of severe complications such as children under two, pregnant women, individuals over 65, and people with chronic conditions. The vaccination is provided free of charge to anyone with mandatory health insurance through selected doctors, hospital centers, and regional NIJZ units. Two different flu vaccines are available this year, with specific age recommendations for each. Prof. dr. Matjaž Jereb from the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana noted that while 5% to 20% of the population typically contracts the flu annually, only about 1% require hospitalization, which still places significant pressure on the healthcare system.
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The flu epidemic hasn't started yet, but vaccinations have already begun: last year, the disease claimed 35 livesFlu vaccination has officially begun across Slovenia, available through health centers, private doctors, and National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) clinics. NIJZ recommends vaccination for all residents over six months old, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, chronic patients, and the elderly. National vaccination coordinator Marta Grgič Vitek emphasized that vaccination helps maintain societal functions by reducing strain on hospitals, schools, and businesses during winter. Infectious disease specialist Matjaž Jereb noted that flu affects 5% to 20% of the population annually, with approximately 1% requiring hospitalization. Last year, 35 people died from flu-related complications at the Ljubljana University Clinical Center, representing 6% of hospitalized flu patients, highlighting the severity of the disease despite the availability of preventive measures.
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The flu vaccination campaign has started, and this year, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) has not provided any additional vaccine dosesFlu vaccination campaigns have officially commenced across Slovenia, available through health centers, selected physicians, and National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) regional units. NIJZ recommends vaccination for all residents over six months old, with specific emphasis on high-risk groups including young children, pregnant women, chronic disease patients, and older adults. National vaccination coordinator Marta Grgič Vitek highlighted that vaccination helps prevent severe illness and ensures the continued functioning of hospitals, schools, and businesses during winter. Infectious disease specialist Matjaž Jereb noted that while flu affects 5% to 20% of the population annually, approximately 1% require hospitalization, placing significant strain on the healthcare system. He reported that 35 people died last year due to influenza or related complications at the Ljubljana University Clinical Center, representing 6% of hospitalized flu patients. Two vaccines are currently available in Slovenia, with Fluad specifically registered for individuals aged 50 and older.
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This year, there's a new development in the flu vaccination programSeasonal flu vaccination campaigns began across Slovenia on November 2, 2026, slightly later than usual due to supply chain delays. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) secured two types of vaccines this year: a standard vaccine for individuals over six months old, and a new formulation specifically registered for those aged 50 and older, which is recommended for people over 65. Experts estimate that between 100,000 and 200,000 people will contract the flu annually, with peak incidence expected in January. Last season resulted in 35 deaths, while approximately 168,000 residents were vaccinated, though the coverage rate among those over 65 remained at 23 percent, well below the World Health Organization target of 75 percent. Vaccination is available free of charge through health centers, selected doctors, and NIJZ regional units.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding vaccine availability, epidemiological data, and public health recommendations using neutral language and citing official health authorities without editorializing or taking a stance on policy debates.
The flu vaccination campaign is startingSeasonal flu vaccination campaigns in Slovenia begin today, marking a later start compared to previous years due to vaccine supply delays affecting all European countries. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) postponed the initial launch date from October 20, 2026, to ensure smoother distribution despite logistical challenges. Approximately 100,000 doses are expected to be available by the end of October, which will initially fall short of total provider orders. To manage this shortage, NIJZ will allocate the first batch of vaccines proportionally based on each provider’s vaccination volume from the previous season. Additional ordered quantities will be delivered gradually as larger supplies become available, ensuring the campaign proceeds despite the delay. Last year, more than 167,000 residents were vaccinated against the flu.
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Vaccination / "Anyone can get the flu."Flu vaccination campaigns across Slovenia began this year, with health authorities urging all residents over six months old to get vaccinated, particularly those in high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions. Marta Grgič Vitek, the national vaccination coordinator, emphasized that widespread immunization helps maintain societal stability by ensuring hospitals, schools, and businesses continue operating normally during winter. Matjaž Jereb, head of the infectious diseases clinic at Ljubljana University Medical Center, noted that while flu affects 5% to 20% of the population annually, approximately 1% require hospitalization, placing significant strain on the healthcare system. He highlighted that last year, 35 patients died from flu-related complications at his facility, representing 6% of hospitalized cases, and stressed that unvaccinated individuals make up a large portion of severe cases requiring intensive care.
Bias read (Center): The article relies exclusively on official medical and statistical data from public health institutions without employing partisan rhetoric or presenting competing political viewpoints.