Johannesburg – The early arrival of influenza this year, which coincides with the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has prompted clinicians to warn that delaying vaccination could pose a greater risk.
As South Africans weigh up whether to get their annual flu shot, new data suggests that sitting on the fence this year may come at a higher cost.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) recently released a statement indicating that the 2026 flu season began earlier than usual and, notably, at the same time as RSV.
This overlap is expected to increase pressure on healthcare systems and raise the likelihood of widespread respiratory illness.
While flu is often dismissed as mild, the NICD warns that it can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly among high-risk groups.
“This isn’t a typical flu season where you have time to wait and see,” cautioned Dr. Jessica Hamuy Blanco, Product and Clinical Risk Executive at Dis-Chem.
“With both flu and RSV circulating earlier and simultaneously, the window to build protection before exposure is much smaller.”
This year, the flu vaccine covers only three strains instead of the usual four, raising questions about whether that makes it less effective.
However, the NICD explained that seasonal flu vaccines are updated each year to target the strains most likely to circulate.
The NICD said for 2026, the vaccine has been formulated to protect against three key influenza strains: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and influenza B.
“The number of strains included in the vaccine can vary from year to year based on global surveillance data,” explained Dr. Hamuy Blanco.
“What’s important is that the vaccine is designed to match the strains expected to have the greatest impact during the season.”
Why timing matters more this year
The influenza vaccine takes about two weeks to provide adequate immune protection.
However, with the season already underway and vaccines only becoming available in April, many people may find themselves exposed before they are fully protected.
“What makes this season different is that people are being asked to make a decision while the risk is already present,” Dr. Hamuy Blanco said.
“Vaccination this year is about reducing the severity of illness and avoiding complications in an already active season.”
Who faces the highest risk?
The NICD highlights several groups at increased risk of severe illness, including:
- Pregnant women
- People living with HIV
- Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease
- Adults over 65
- Babies and children under two
Dis-Chem Clinic Executive Lizeth Kruger advised that: “These groups should not delay.
“Even at this stage, vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.”
Kruger stated that persistent misconceptions continue to fuel hesitation, as seen from questions asked by some expectant and new mothers coming through the Dis-Chem Baby City clinics.
“It’s important to understand that flu vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding offers dual protection and not only safeguards the mother against flu-related complications, but also passes essential antibodies to the baby, both in the womb and through breast milk,” said Kruger.
Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, as their immune systems are naturally more vulnerable during pregnancy.
The inactivated flu vaccine is safe at any stage and plays a critical role in protecting both mother and child.
“By getting vaccinated, mothers are not only protecting themselves but also strengthening their baby’s immunity during those crucial early months,” Kruger said.
With two major respiratory viruses circulating at once, healthcare providers are also warning of increased strain on medical facilities and longer recovery times for patients.
“When multiple viruses peak together, it doesn’t just increase infection rates but also increases the overall burden on families, workplaces, and the healthcare system,” said Dr. Hamuy Blanco.
“Preventative steps like vaccination become even more critical in reducing that pressure.”
