RegulatoryOfficial

Hungary opens free flu vaccination for at-risk children aged 6–35 months

🇭🇺 NNGYK · Thu 12 Nov 2026

Hungary's public health institute says 4,500 Vaxigrip and 2,000 Fluenz doses for 2026/2027 are now available through GPs and paediatricians for eligible young children.

Hungary has begun offering seasonal influenza vaccination to at-risk children under three. The National Public Health Institute (ONI), which announced the news on 12 November 2026, said vaccine is now available nationwide through GPs and paediatric GPs.

The supply for the 2026/2027 season comprises 4,500 doses of Vaxigrip, an injectable vaccine, and 2,000 doses of Fluenz nasal spray. Eligible children aged 6–35 months can receive an age- and health-appropriate product free of charge.

Eligibility covers children with chronic heart or lung disease requiring regular medical monitoring or hospital treatment, immunodeficiency, or kidney, blood-forming organ or metabolic disease. It also includes children on long-term acetylsalicylic acid therapy, those in long-term care in a healthcare institution, and residents of infant and children's homes.

Vaxigrip can be given from six months of age, while Fluenz is for children who have turned two, provided there are no contraindications. The vaccinating physician chooses the product, taking account of the child's age and health. Infants under six months cannot be vaccinated; ONI points to maternal vaccination in pregnancy and vaccination of close contacts and carers as their protection.

ONI notes that protective immunity generally takes about two weeks to develop and urges parents to arrange vaccination early, checking eligibility and the suitable product with their GP. It added that preparations for making COVID-19 vaccines available to the public are under way, with separate information to follow on supply and conditions.

The institute's website also notes organisational changes from 1 November 2026. The former NNGYK was renamed the National Public Health Institute (ONI), and pharmaceutical tasks moved to a newly created National Pharmaceutical Institute (OGYI), which is the legal successor for those functions.

What it means for your team

  • Supply is limited, at 6,500 doses in total across both products, so uptake and allocation among eligible children may warrant monitoring.
  • Product choice rests with the vaccinating physician, based on age and health status. Vaxigrip applies from six months and Fluenz from two years.
  • Teams tracking Hungarian authorities should note the 1 November 2026 split: ONI now handles public health, while OGYI has taken over pharmaceutical competences from NNGYK.
  • Separate ONI guidance on COVID-19 vaccine availability is expected but has no date yet.

Official source: NNGYK ↗

Article written by VigiEye from the official source (NNGYK). AI-assisted; check the source before acting.

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