Nasrallah Launches National Campaign for Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Minister of Public Health Ra'kan Nasrallah launched the national seasonal flu vaccination campaign for 2026 under the slogan "Before winter, vaccination is priority," as part of the national immunization program and efforts to strengthen prevention against seasonal flu, promote a culture of vaccination, and underscore the importance of preventive vaccination, especially before the onset of winter.

This year’s campaign features two pathways:

- The seasonal flu vaccine pathway, where the ministry provides 10,000 doses of vaccine to targeted high-risk groups and calls on all citizens to obtain this annual vaccine, available in pharmacies at an affordable price,

- And the PCV 20 pneumonia vaccine pathway for older adults, which the ministry is providing and will also be included in the national immunization schedule for adults through primary healthcare centers.

In this context, the Minister of Health announced: "Launching the adult vaccination pathway as a core component of the national immunization program, expanding the program beyond childhood targets to provide better protection for our youth, young adults, and all citizens alike."

The campaign was launched at the Jivinor Rotana Hotel – Beirut, attended by Member of Parliament Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Bazri, President of the Nurses and Nurses Union Mrs. Abeer Alama, Head of the National Immunization Program and Primary Healthcare Division at the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Randa Hamadeh, Chair of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) Dr. Bernard Gharbawi and committee members, Chair of the National Maternal Safety Committee Dr. Faisal al-Qaq, Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance Program at the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Nada Ghosn, representatives from WHO, UNICEF, Emphnet, and several national and international partners.

Minister of Health: Lebanon Proud of Its National Vaccination Schedule

In his speech, the Minister emphasized that "crises, pressures, and ongoing war cannot justify neglecting a fundamental issue like vaccination," stressing that "the ministry approaches this matter from both ethical and humanitarian perspectives, as well as from economic and material ones."

He explained that "the importance of vaccines lies at the heart of the ministry’s national strategy focused on primary healthcare," noting that "vaccines help prevent illness and reduce complications." He added: "How many lives have we lost due to lapses in vaccination, prevention, or early diagnosis?" He continued: "The prevention offered by vaccination also reduces healthcare costs by lowering disease incidence and avoiding expensive hospitalizations."

He pointed out that "the Ministry of Public Health bases its approach on data and scientific evidence," affirming "the critical role played by national expert committees and their recommendations in shaping immunization policies."

He stated: "Lebanon today takes pride in its national vaccination schedule, which exceeds the number of vaccines recommended in several countries and matches the U.S. schedule, possibly surpassing it in certain aspects." He noted that "the Ministry of Public Health provides 12 types of vaccines for children, preventing them from contracting diseases that can be prevented through vaccination."

Speaking about the national flu vaccination campaign, the Minister highlighted that "last year, the ministry introduced around 10,000 doses distributed primarily to elderly individuals, kidney dialysis patients, and healthcare workers in government health centers and hospitals." He announced that "on September 29th, we will begin administering this year’s 10,000 doses, acknowledging that the quantity remains insufficient, and work continues to gradually increase supply with support from partners."

The Minister revealed that "when he assumed office, he found that certain coronavirus-related vaccines were required but not yet received," explaining that "he held extensive discussions with the Council of Ministers and the World Bank to replace them with more beneficial vaccines such as PCV 20 for older adults and essential medications for cancer treatments."

He announced: "More than 70,000 doses of the PCV 20 vaccine for older adults are now available at primary healthcare centers and facilities serving seniors, given the vaccine’s crucial role in reducing severe respiratory infections that may require hospitalization."

He urged Lebanese citizens from target groups to visit primary healthcare centers to receive the high-quality vaccine available there.

The Minister concluded by reaffirming that "work at the Ministry of Public Health continues around the clock," stating: "This is our responsibility," emphasizing that "handling citizens’ needs is done as if they were family members," adding: "I want to give medicine to others as if I were giving it to my parents, and vaccines to children as if I were giving them to my own son." He mentioned that "the ministry hopes to soon secure the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer."

He affirmed that "difficult conditions, heavy pressures, ongoing aggression, damage to health institutions and hospitals—including the burning of facilities in Mays al-Jabal—do not deter us from continuing our work," saying: "We cannot set burdens aside; instead, we work to the best of our abilities to make the necessary difference."

Dr. Randa Hamadeh: Annual Flu Vaccine Is Essential

Dr. Randa Hamadeh, Head of the National Immunization Program, opened the event by underscoring "the importance of seasonal flu vaccination," explaining that "the flu vaccine is updated annually based on circulating virus strains, ensuring its effectiveness in preventing illness, particularly since flu causes a large number of hospitalizations each year." She emphasized that "this activity supports prevention, reduces the number of patients requiring hospitalization, thereby alleviating pressure on the healthcare system and the burden borne by citizens." She clarified that "targeted groups include older adults, healthcare workers, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses, especially those undergoing dialysis."

She noted that "the flu vaccine is also available in local pharmacies at an affordable price, making it accessible to all citizens."

Dr. Gharbawi: Lebanon Has Made Significant Progress in Vaccination Schedules

Meanwhile, Dr. Bernard Gharbawi, Chair of the National Advisory Group on Immunization, commended the Minister of Public Health’s performance, praising his reliance on scientific data in decision-making. He highlighted "the importance of the Ministry of Public Health’s ability to quickly adapt to Lebanon’s difficult circumstances," noting that "displaced patients during the war were able to access needed medications despite having to move between different regions."

He also stressed "the significance of the partnership initiated in 2010 between the medical association’s scientific committee and the National Immunization Program," considering it "one of the key factors contributing to Lebanon’s success in maintaining its polio-free status for the 23rd consecutive year." He added: "One reason for this success lies in the supportive, serious, and practical environment provided by the National Immunization Program, backed by the Minister of Public Health, asserting that 'when the collaborative system within the ministry functions well, success follows.'"

Regarding the seasonal flu vaccine, Dr. Gharbawi emphasized "the need to recognize that flu is a disease that can affect all age groups and has complications that necessitate prevention through vaccination."

He noted that "Lebanon has made significant progress in its vaccination schedule, reflecting the principle applied by the National Immunization Program — 'Leaving No One Behind' — and the commitment to ensure no one is excluded from the immunization system."

Flu Is Not Just a Cold

During the event, a public awareness video for the national seasonal flu vaccination campaign was shown, emphasizing that "flu is not just a passing cold but a serious illness that can lead to health complications, thus requiring preventive measures."

The video stressed the importance of vaccination, particularly for children, individuals aged 65 and above, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions, and healthcare workers.

Scientific Meeting to Review Immunization Policy

Following the opening ceremony, a scientific and technical advisory meeting was held with participation from the National Scientific Committee on Immunization, technical experts, and representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and key partners, dedicated to reviewing immunization policy, discussing national priorities in seasonal flu vaccination, ways to enhance campaign implementation, developing core messages for citizens, and building trust in vaccines to encourage uptake.