Uncertainty over the availability of Luxembourg's recommended flu vaccine for the elderly has been resolved, with health officials confirming the first shipments have now arrived.

The specific flu vaccine recommended for seniors in Luxembourg this winter has begun arriving with healthcare professionals, following a delay that left it unavailable when it was first recommended by the authorities.

The situation was clarified by Minister of Health Martine Deprez in a response to a parliamentary question published last Friday. The first delivery of the Efluelda vaccine, a high-dose formula from Sanofi recommended for people aged 65 and over, arrived in Luxembourg on 13 October 2025.

The vaccine had been officially promoted by the National Health Directorate for its superior effectiveness but was not in stock in the run-up to the annual campaign. Sanofi states that compared to standard vaccines, Efluelda has been shown to reduce laboratory-confirmed flu hospitalisations in adults over 65 by 31.9%.

For those who have already received a standard flu shot, the minister offered reassurance. Citing the Superior Council of Infectious Diseases, she confirmed that the standard-dose vaccine remains "a perfectly valid alternative," and that no further action is necessary for those already vaccinated.

Speaking to RTL in early October, the president of the pharmacists' association, Alain de Bourcy, noted that the stronger dose is not recommended for younger populations, who do not require it and may experience more pronounced side effects.

The annual autumn vaccination campaign, which began officially on 15 October, primarily targets the elderly, pregnant people, and individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

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