Flu 2026: 56,000 Doses of the Planned 80,000, and the Booking Method Is Still to Be Announced
Minister Klekovski said 56,000 flu vaccines are secured out of 80,000 planned; the tender received no bid, and vaccination is expected in the second half of October.
Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said 56,000 flu vaccines have been secured, out of 80,000 planned doses, and efforts for the remaining quantities continue. Vaccination, he said, should begin in the second half of October, in the same window as the past three seasons (October 16–25).
The reason for the delay is twofold. The World Health Organization changed all three strains in the recommended composition of the northern-hemisphere vaccine this year, which caused delays for manufacturers worldwide. In addition, the vaccine tender, usually held from June to August, received no bids this year, so the ministry took steps to secure the vaccines another way. According to Expres, the vaccines arrive by November 15.
The vaccine is free for priority groups: people over 65, the chronically ill, pregnant women and health workers. The ministry says citizens will be informed in time about the start and how to book an appointment, but no specific portal or phone line has been published so far — and that is exactly what will determine how easily the vaccine reaches those who need it most.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 8, 2026
