The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has confirmed the start of the flu season in Romania. Data from the first week of December indicate over 3,000 cases of clinically diagnosed influenza nationwide—double the number from the previous week—signaling rapidly increasing transmission. In this context, flu vaccination is essential for optimal protection.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for all age groups, with priority for young children, adolescents, pregnant women, older adults, and people with certain chronic conditions. Pregnant women can develop severe forms of illness, and children and adolescents are at the highest risk of infection and have a greater capacity to transmit the virus than adults. Hospitalization rates among children are comparable to those among older adults, even though half of hospitalized children have no comorbidities. Pediatric vaccination reduces household transmission, decreases school absenteeism, and limits complications.
Flu vaccination is the most effective intervention to curb spread, complications, and the direct and indirect costs associated with influenza. Estimates suggest that vaccinating seven children prevents one case of flu; at the population level this translates into thousands of illnesses avoided and hospital resources used where they are truly needed. Flu is not just a common cold, and vaccinating children is essential to protect the entire family.
In older adults, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of respiratory complications, cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and mortality. Age‑appropriate vaccines are available to elicit a stronger immune response. Co‑administration with the pneumococcal vaccine can further strengthen protection against pneumococcal disease, in line with medical recommendations. The same benefits apply to other high‑risk groups—people with chronic conditions or weakened immunity—for whom vaccination helps prevent severe disease, complications, and hospital admissions.
Vaccinated individuals are much less likely to become ill, maintain their independence, and avoid hospitalization.
How to get vaccinated:
- Contact your family doctor for an appointment and counseling. Vaccination is free for children, pregnant women, healthcare personnel, older adults, and people with chronic diseases.
- Discuss vaccine options based on age and health status, including the possibility of co‑administration with other recommended vaccines.
- Follow your doctor’s prevention advice: hand hygiene, cough etiquette, staying home if symptomatic, and seeking medical care when needed.
As the flu season advances, exposure risk rises. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, providing direct benefits for vulnerable individuals and a positive impact on the community: fewer illnesses, fewer complications, reduced pressure on emergency and critical care units, and more efficient use of medical resources during peak periods.
By getting vaccinated, we protect ourselves and our families and help keep the health system functional throughout the flu season. We therefore encourage you to contact your family doctor’s practice to schedule your flu vaccination.