Respiratory infections rise in Romania and Moldova as flu season begins

The 2026-2027 respiratory infection season has commenced in Romania and Moldova with significant activity and vaccination efforts underway.

In Romania, the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) reported 80,193 cases of respiratory infections—including acute upper respiratory infections, clinical influenza, and pneumonia—during the first reporting week from September 28 to October 4, 2026. This figure is nearly identical to the same week last season and slightly higher than the non-pandemic average of 71,657 cases. The INSP also noted 210 cases of clinical influenza, a 22% increase compared to the previous year, and seven cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Approximately 79,330 people have been vaccinated against influenza in Romania so far.

In the Republic of Moldova, the National Agency for Public Health (ANSP) has received the first 120,000 doses of a 240,000-dose influenza vaccine procurement. The trivalent vaccine provides protection against A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B(Tokyo) viruses, following World Health Organization recommendations for the Northern Hemisphere. Immunization is free for high-risk groups, including pregnant women and individuals with comorbidities, and the government is encouraging simultaneous vaccination with other routine vaccines such as pneumococcal and anti-COVID-19 shots.