Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan is preparing for the upcoming flu, URTI, and COVID-19 epidemic season. The Chief State Sanitary Doctor has instructed regions to prepare medical facilities, launch flu vaccination campaigns, and step up monitoring of infection rates, citing the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee of the Ministry of Health.
Flu vaccination: Start date and eligibility
According to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee, from September 15, flu vaccinations will be available in Kazakhstan for citizens recommended for preventive immunization.
The committee's decree specifies that the following groups are eligible:
- Individuals with chronic conditions,
- Schoolchildren,
- Pregnant women,
- The elderly,
- Infants and toddlers,
- those in closed-type facilities and special social service organizations.
Vaccinations will be administered following informed consent. Furthermore, local health authorities must compile lists of individuals requiring vaccination by September 3.
Reports also state that medical organizations must ensure proper storage and transport of vaccines, as well as prepare vaccination rooms and mobile teams.
It was specifically noted that healthcare workers must be prepared to provide emergency assistance in the event of adverse reactions following vaccination.
Disease surveillance protocols
Hospitals and other medical facilities must simultaneously prepare for an influx of patients with influenza, URTI, and COVID-19.
Territorial subdivisions of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee are required to assess the readiness of medical organizations by September 10, 2026.
Infection rates will also be monitored with increased frequency.
Surveillance of URTI, flu, and COVID-19 will shift to a weekly schedule on September 1, and become daily starting October 1.
Additionally, incidence rates among vaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and infants under one year old will be tracked separately. Data will be collected and categorized by region, age, and risk group.
These measures are designed to prepare Kazakhstan for the 2026–2027 epidemic season.
