# Rising respiratory infections in Balkans and Montenegro > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/respiratory-infection-increase-in-serbia-and-republika-srpsa > Updated: 2026-10-21T14:00:03.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 9. The surge in respiratory infections continues across the Balkans. In Republika Srpska, the Institute for Public Health reported that between October 5 and October 11, 34 patients were hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), with the youngest children being the most affected. During this same period, health centers recorded 4,423 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and 266 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI). In response, officials are preparing an influenza vaccination campaign for November. In Belgrade, the City Institute for Public Health reported 10,415 cases of acute respiratory infections between October 12 and October 18, including 538 influenza-like illnesses. Although this represents a slight decrease from the previous week, the highest concentration of infections remains among individuals aged five to 19. In Sarajevo Canton, health officials report an increase in respiratory viruses, though the official influenza season has not yet begun. While health center waiting rooms are currently full, most patients are presenting with milder respiratory infections rather than the flu. Dr. Elvedin Tatarević, Director of the Sarajevo Canton Health Center, announced that approximately 7,540 flu vaccines have been ordered and are expected to arrive in late October or early November. In Montenegro, the Institute of Public Health confirmed the first two cases of influenza type A for the 2026/2027 season in Podgorica; both patients are reported to be in good general condition. To combat the spread, seasonal vaccination in Montenegro is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26. Health officials recommend vaccination for high-risk groups, including those over 65, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses. In Croatia, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has reported 201 cases so far this season, with 79 reported in the last week alone. ## Claims - Influenza vaccination in the Republic of Srpska will begin in November. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The vaccination program is transitioning from quadrivalent to trivalent vaccines. (corroborated by 3 sources) - 18,000 vaccine doses have been ordered for free vaccination categories. (corroborated by 3 sources) - 2,500 vaccine doses are available for citizens paying for the vaccine themselves. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vaccinations will be administered at the Institute’s immunization clinic in Banja Luka and regional centers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Seasonal influenza vaccination has begun in Serbia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Health Center in Bujanovac plans to administer 1,170 doses of the vaccine. (single source) - The vaccines used are trivalent, protecting against three strains of the influenza virus. (single source) - The Torlak Institute for Virology, Vaccines and Serums produced approximately 300,000 doses of the trivalent vaccine. (single source) - Vaccination is mandatory for certain high-risk groups in Serbia. (single source) - High-risk groups include pregnant women and individuals over 65 years of age. (single source) - Healthcare workers are among the groups for whom immunization is mandatory. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Sarajevo Canton prepares for flu season as respiratory viruses rise Sarajevo Canton health officials report rising respiratory virus cases and are preparing to distribute over 7,500 flu vaccines starting in late October or early November. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sarajevo-canton-prepares-for-flu-season-as-respiratory-viruses-rise ### 2026-10-21: Flu activity rises in Croatia and Montenegro as vaccination begins Influenza Type A cases are rising in Croatia and Montenegro. Montenegro has launched its seasonal vaccination campaign, while Croatia prepares for vaccinations in November. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-infections-rise-in-belgrade-and-montenegro ### 2026-10-19: Republika Srpska reports 34 hospitalizations for severe respiratory infections Thirty-four patients in Republika Srpska have been hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections, primarily affecting young children, according to the Institute for Public Health. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/republika-srpska-reports-34-hospitalizations-for-severe-respiratory-infections ### 2026-10-17: Republic of Srpska to begin influenza vaccination in November Influenza vaccinations in the Republic of Srpska will begin in November, with 18,000 free doses reserved for high-risk groups and 2,500 doses available for purchase. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/republic-of-srpska-to-begin-influenza-vaccination-in-november ### 2026-10-14: Respiratory infections rise in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria Respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19, are increasing in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria as seasonal temperatures drop. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-infections-rise-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-and-austria ### 2026-10-14: Influenza vaccination campaigns begin in Serbia and Republika Srpska Seasonal flu vaccination campaigns have begun in Serbia and Republika Srpska, utilizing trivalent vaccines like Torvaxflu and Vaxigrip to protect high-risk groups and healthcare workers. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-begins-seasonal-influenza-vaccination-campaign ### 2026-10-11: Respiratory infections rise across Europe and the Balkans Health officials in England, Republika Srpska, and Slovenia report rising respiratory infections, including influenza and RSV, prompting increased vaccination efforts and hospital precautions. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/influenza-and-respiratory-infections-rise-in-england-and-republika-srpska ### 2026-10-09: Republika Srpska reports 4,204 respiratory infection cases Republika Srpska reported 4,204 acute respiratory infection cases and one death from severe respiratory infection in week 40. Influenza A(H3) is the most detected strain. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/republika-srpska-reports-4204-respiratory-infection-cases ### 2026-10-06: Serbia reports rise in respiratory infections and influenza Serbia is seeing a rise in respiratory infections and influenza, with doctors noting cases of extreme physical weakness among patients. President Vučić has also continued campaigning while visibly ill. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-reports-rise-in-respiratory-infections-and-influenza --- Cite as: Rising respiratory infections in Balkans and Montenegro. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/respiratory-infection-increase-in-serbia-and-republika-srpsa