Romania sees 3x rise in child respiratory hospitalizations; flu vaccine drive launched

Romania reports a threefold increase in pediatric respiratory hospitalizations at Vâlcea County Emergency Hospital by end-September, with low flu vaccination coverage (6% last year) compounding risk. The Ministry of Health launched a flu vaccination appeal on October 2, but national case data and vaccine uptake remain unclear. This signals early-season respiratory pressure that could strain healthcare systems and highlights vaccination gaps.