Romania recommends flu vaccination with free doses for high-risk groups

Vaccine access and eligibility categories

Romania's Ministry of Health issued recommendations on Friday advising citizens to begin seasonal influenza immunization ahead of the cold season. The public health initiative focuses on vulnerable individuals who face an increased risk of severe illness, medical complications, and hospital admission. Under the national healthcare framework, the ministry provides the influenza vaccine free of charge to several defined high-risk demographic groups across the country.

Eligible recipients for 100% subsidized vaccines include children aged at least 6 months, pregnant women, adults aged over 65, and individuals living with chronic medical conditions. Full state coverage also encompasses specialized medical, healthcare, and auxiliary staff, as well as institutionalized adults and children.

Subsidy tiers and pharmacy pricing

For citizens aged between 45 and 65 who do not have chronic medical conditions, the Ministry of Health provides a 50% compensation rate calculated against the reference price of the vaccine. Individuals who do not meet the criteria for either 100% or 50% state compensation can obtain the vaccine by paying the full retail cost.

According to pricing data reported by Euronews Romania, a single dose of the influenza vaccine costs between 80 and 100 Romanian lei, with exact prices varying by manufacturer and dispensing pharmacy. All seasonal vaccine products approved for the current campaign are distributed directly through community pharmacies, subject to available stock levels.

Prescription process and administration sites

Citizens planning to receive the vaccine must first visit their family physician to obtain an official prescription. Patients then present the medical prescription at a local pharmacy to collect their prescribed doses.

Vaccination can be administered either directly inside the family doctor's consultation practice or within authorized community pharmacies certified for vaccine administration. Ministry officials noted that annual immunization remains an effective method for reducing severe health outcomes.

Flu vaccination is one of the safest and most effective methods of protection against the flu. Done every year, the vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe forms, complications and hospitalization.

Prevention advice for the cold season

Interim Minister of Health Cseke Attila urged the public not to delay getting vaccinated before cold weather arrives. He noted that annual vaccination represents a primary preventative measure and stated that seasonal vaccines are available in pharmacies across Romania.

We recommend all citizens not to postpone flu vaccination and to get immunized before the onset of the cold season. Annual vaccination is one of the most important preventive measures. All forms of flu vaccine available for the current season are found in pharmacies, within the limit of available stocks. It is important that each of us pays proper attention to protecting our own health and those around us.

In addition to vaccination, the health ministry recommends daily hygiene steps to limit the spread of influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses. These measures include frequent hand washing, regular ventilation of enclosed living and working areas, and consulting a physician when symptoms become severe or overall health deteriorates.