Clalit launches nationwide flu vaccination campaign, among the first in the world for 2026-27 season

Clalit, which serves more than half of Israel's population, has ordered more than one million injectable flu vaccines along with 25,000 nasal-spray vaccines for the upcoming season, the latter intended for children and young adults between the ages of two and 49. The vaccines will arrive in Israel in multiple shipments throughout September and October, with the campaign beginning as soon as the first shipment lands.

Vaccinations will initially be available at designated vaccination centers and major clinics before expanding to Clalit clinics nationwide as additional supplies arrive, a phased approach designed to let higher-risk populations get vaccinated as early as possible.

Ronen Nudelman, Clalit's deputy director general and head of the community division, said the organization is fully prepared for another large-scale campaign, noting that nearly one million Clalit patients received flu vaccinations last winter. That includes roughly 55% of patients aged 65 and older.

Nudelman also said the pace of this year's rollout will depend on vaccine shipments, with each delivery distributed rapidly to vaccination centers and clinics nationwide.

Sefy Sobel Roitblat, head of community nursing at Clalit and director of the organization's influenza vaccination campaign, noted that the flu can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and hospitalization, calling vaccination an effective and proven tool for reducing illness and severe outcomes. She explained that getting vaccinated early allows the body time to develop protection before flu cases typically rise during winter months, adding that vaccination reduces the risk of contracting influenza by approximately 40% to 60%.

Dr. Bat-Sheva Gotsman, an infectious disease specialist and Clalit community consultant, stressed that the flu should not be dismissed as a mild illness, citing research showing the risk of heart attack can rise to six times higher during the first week after infection, with stroke risk also increasing. She said the virus can in some cases cause inflammation of the heart muscle, and that vaccination may help reduce cardiovascular risks in addition to preventing respiratory illness.

Clalit said flu vaccination is recommended for the general population from six months of age and older.

Clalit Mushlam members can also purchase the antiviral medication Tamiflu at a 50% subsidy at Clalit pharmacies with a physician's prescription.