Demand for flu vaccines has never been so high. To prevent the healthcare sector from getting overstretched and to protect the most vulnerable, the government is changing the phasing of its flu vaccine campaign. In concrete terms, pregnant women, the over-65s, the chronically ill and healthcare professionals will get priority.

Belgium will have 2.9 million vaccines available for the coming flu season, which is more than in previous years. Around half of the available vaccines have already been distributed among priority groups (such as the elderly and pregnant women), but the remaining vaccines will also be needed to protect them.

In response, the government has decided to review the phasing of its flu vaccine campaign. One particular at-risk group (see the box below) will get absolute priority. This will be followed — if possible, subject to an assessment after one month — by people between 50 and 65 who are not part of an at-risk group. The second phase intended for the rest of the population (under 50) will be cancelled. This new phasing will come into effect immediately.

Who is in the first at-risk group?

• all pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy
• people over the age of 65*
• people with an underlying chronic condition, even if stable, of the lungs (including severe asthma), the heart (excluding hypertension), the liver or the kidneys, people with metabolic disorders (including diabetes), people with a BMI over 35 and people with neuromuscular conditions or immunity disorders (natural or induced)*
• healthcare professionals.

* People sharing a home with someone in this at-risk group will also be given priority, as will anyone living with children under the age of 6 months.

At the end of November, the government will assess the vaccination coverage of this first at-risk group. Subsequently, if possible, people between 50 and 65 will be able to get a vaccine. Until such time, this latter group will not be able to get a vaccine. No exceptions will be granted and the situation will be strictly monitored by FPS Health. The second phase, which was intended for the rest of the population (under 50) and which was set to get underway on 15 November, will be cancelled.

If you are not part of the healthcare sector, Mensura will have no option but to cancel the scheduled vaccinations at your company from Wednesday 4 November onward. You will be notified of this directly by e-mail or by telephone.

We will set up a separate procedure for any employees at your company who fall under the priority at-risk group. We will communicate this procedure as soon as possible by e-mail or by telephone. This year, Mensura will only invoice for vaccines that have effectively been administered.