Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Remains a Vital Public Health Intervention in Lithuania

Strategic Insights -

According to recent data, seasonal influenza vaccination is a cost-effective public health intervention, helping prevent severe forms of the disease and reducing doctor visits, antibiotic use, and lost work days. In Lithuania, roughly 5-10 percent of the population falls ill during a regular flu season. The National Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health reports an average of 57,000 influenza cases (excluding pandemic years), 51,000 COVID-19 cases, and 777,000 acute upper respiratory tract infections annually.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seasonal influenza vaccination is a crucial public health intervention, preventing severe disease and reducing healthcare utilization, lost work days, and antibiotic use.
  • In Lithuania, 3-10 percent of the population falls ill during a regular flu season, with an average of 57,000 influenza cases, 51,000 COVID-19 cases, and 777,000 acute upper respiratory tract infections annually.
  • Vaccination against COVID-19 is ongoing, with a threefold increase in influenza cases and a 3.3-fold decrease in COVID-19 cases between the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
  • COVID-19 disease still poses a threat, with no seasonality, changes in SARS-CoV-2 variants, and a high burden of disease.
  • Vaccination against COVID-19 is carried out using the COVID-19 vaccine, with one dose recommended for all eligible age groups, except in exceptional cases.
  • Vaccination with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be done simultaneously.
  • The following risk groups are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination: persons aged 65 and over, persons with chronic diseases, healthcare employees, pregnant women, and residents in nursing and care institutions.
  • Residents covered by compulsory health insurance do not need to pay for COVID-19 vaccination services, while uninsured individuals must pay according to established procedures.

Statistics:

  • 5-10 percent of the Lithuanian population falls ill during a regular flu season.
  • Average annual influenza cases in Lithuania: 57,000 (excluding pandemic years).
  • Average annual COVID-19 cases in Lithuania: 51,000 (excluding pandemic years).
  • Average annual acute upper respiratory tract infections in Lithuania: 777,000 (excluding pandemic years).
  • Influenza cases increased threefold between the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
  • COVID-19 cases decreased 3.3-fold between the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
  • Residents who are 65 or older, have chronic diseases, work in healthcare, are pregnant, or live in care institutions are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination.

Sources:

  • National Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health.
  • Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania of 23 December 2020 No. V-2997 "On Approval of the Procedure for Organizing the Vaccination of the Population with the COVID-19 Disease (Coronavirus Infection) Vaccine".
  • Pakruojis District Municipality's official news release.