[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [HEALTH]

4 clusters · 21 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Influenza activity and vaccine supply in Central Europe

Overview

The 2026/2027 influenza season has shown an early onset in Central and Southeast Europe. In Croatia, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) confirmed that influenza appeared earlier than usual, with an uptick noted as early as mid-August, potentially linked to travel. While a spike in cases occurred during the 36th week, the situation has since stabilized to levels consistent with the current period. Laboratory samples have confirmed Influenza A, including two subtypes, though officials indicate the overall number of reported cases remains relatively low.

Vaccine supply challenges persist across the region. In Slovenia, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) has delayed seasonal vaccinations until November 2, 2026, due to supply issues that are reportedly a trend affecting several European countries. In Croatia, vaccination is expected to begin in early November following the arrival of 420,000 doses. Similar delays were expected in Austria due to production difficulties affecting approximately 868,000 doses.

In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, enhanced surveillance for respiratory viruses reported 163 cases of influenza-like illness during the first week of monitoring, though initial laboratory tests for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV were negative.

Respiratory infections are rising in Luxembourg, where laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by 28 percent between September 28 and October 4, 2026, marking four consecutive weeks of increases. Dominant COVID-19 variants include XFG and NB.1.8.1. Influenza cases in Luxembourg also rose to 51 reported cases from 28 the previous week, accompanied by increased virus concentrations in wastewater. In Slovakia, medical experts have warned of increasing influenza activity as colder weather arrives.

Entities

National Institute of Public Health · Croatian Institute of Public Health · Direction de la santé · World Health Organization · Pavol Jozef Šafárik University

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Influenza cases rise in Slovakia as respiratory infection season begins

    Medical experts in Slovakia warn of a rising influenza season, noting that the highly contagious virus can cause serious complications for seniors, children, and those with chronic health conditions.

  2. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Respiratory infections rise in Luxembourg and Croatia

    Respiratory viruses are on the rise in Luxembourg, where COVID-19 cases grew by 28 percent, and in Croatia, where influenza appeared earlier than usual this season.

  3. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Influenza season 2026/2027 shows early activity in Southeast Europe

    The 2026/2027 flu season shows early activity in the Balkans, with vaccine delays in Slovenia and rising respiratory illness reports in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  4. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Flu activity rises in Croatia while Slovenia remains stable

    While Slovenia reports stable respiratory infection levels, Croatia sees a rise in flu cases. Experts monitor late-season trends in Australia as a potential indicator for upcoming regional activity.

Sources

24sata.hr · 24ur.com · denik.cz · europa.pravda.sk · hrvatska-danas.com · maribor24.si · najmama.aktuality.sk · nedeljnik.rs · novice24.net · novilist.hr · radiopuls.lu · riportal.net.hr · slovenskenovice.si · srpskadijaspora.info · student.si · times.si · tn.nova.cz · tuzlanski.ba · vecernji.ba · verige.net · vizita.si

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history