Clalit Health Services, the healthcare provider in Israel, has announced the launch of its nationwide influenza vaccination campaign for the 2026–2027 winter season, positioning the country among the first globally to initiate seasonal flu immunisations.
Clalit Health Services serves more than half of Israel’s population and has secured over one million standard injectable flu vaccine doses. In addition, Clalit Health Services will provide 25,000 nasal‑spray vaccines for children and young adults aged two to forty‑nine. Clalit Health Services will begin distributing the flu vaccine this week at selected primary medical centres. After that, Clalit Health Services will roll the influenza vaccination campaign out to community clinics across the country during September and October as new vaccine shipments arrive. This phased approach lets Clalit Health Services give high‑risk groups protection as early as possible.
Public health officials strongly urge all individuals aged six months and older to receive the annual vaccine. Priority access is directed toward high-risk demographics, including senior citizens, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and individuals living with chronic underlying medical conditions who face elevated risks of severe respiratory complications.
Health experts note that early immunisation allows the immune system sufficient time to build adequate antibody protection before winter virus transmission surges. Medical specialists highlight that flu infection significantly increases secondary health risks, including a sixfold increase in heart attack risk during the initial week of infection alongside heightened stroke risks. Clinical data indicates seasonal flu vaccines effectively lower overall infection risks by approximately 40 to 60 per cent.
Clalit confirmed that appointments can be scheduled directly via its official mobile application, online web portals, and customer service lines. Clalit Mushlam members will also receive a 50 per cent subsidy on prescribed antiviral medications. The initiative coincides with parallel rollout plans announced by Israel’s other major health maintenance organisations, including Maccabi and Meuhedet, ensuring coordinated national coverage to minimise winter hospitalisations across the country.
The proactive campaign builds upon previous seasonal successes, following a winter season in which nearly one million Clalit patients were vaccinated, including approximately 55 per cent of individuals aged 65 and older. By coordinating swift distribution across its logistics infrastructure, the healthcare provider aims to reduce operational strain on emergency departments and maintain high public health standards throughout the cold winter months.
