Ukraine’s flu and respiratory virus season begins as vaccines remain unavailable

Ukraine’s official season for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections has begun. According to the Health Ministry’s Public Health Center, it will continue until May 23, 2027.

In Ivano-Frankivsk region, cases of influenza, respiratory infections and COVID-19 rose by almost 77% last week compared with the previous week. Volyn region has recorded weekly increases of 20–40% since the beginning of September, with respiratory viruses including rhinoviruses circulating there.

The Public Health Center attributed the increase mainly to the start of the school year. It said nationwide figures were still being compiled and that no major national surge had yet been recorded.

Flu vaccines have not arrived

Despite the season’s start, flu vaccines have not yet been delivered to Ukraine. Private clinics said supplies might not appear before mid-October and advised patients to check availability regularly.

The World Health Organization says influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and influenza B, Victoria lineage, will be relevant across the Northern Hemisphere, including Ukraine. The Health Ministry identifies vaccination as the most effective way to prevent influenza and COVID-19; flu vaccination remains possible during the season.

Figures from the previous season

The previous season ran from September 29, 2025, to May 17, 2026. The highest rate of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, was recorded during February 16–22 at 509 cases per 100,000 people, compared with 758 at the previous season’s peak.

More than 4.2 million people contracted respiratory infections during the season, including 2.39 million children. COVID-19 was confirmed in 22,100 people, including 3,705 children; almost 120,000 respiratory-infection patients and 7,100 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized.

Complications killed 199 people, including 12 children. The Public Health Center said none of those who died had been vaccinated against influenza or COVID-19. About 80,000 people received flu vaccinations during the season.

Measures to reduce infection risk

The Health Ministry advises avoiding close contact with people showing signs of infection, ventilating indoor spaces, washing hands frequently with soap, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. People who cough or sneeze should use a tissue or the crook of the elbow.