Overview
- The Robert Koch Institute dates the start of the flu wave to the week beginning November 24, with an estimated 7.2 million acute respiratory illnesses in the week around December 1.
- Labor data show predominantly A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, and experts flag an H3N2 “subclade K” that may dampen vaccine match and speed spread.
- Confirmed influenza cases reported to surveillance more than doubled to about 5,209 in week 49, with detections across all age groups and many cases in younger people.
- The vaccination rate among people aged 60 and over has dropped to 34 percent in 2024/25, the lowest since reporting began in 2008/09, the RKI reports.
- The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut says some flu vaccine products are now scarce after lower pre-season orders, while STIKO is reviewing broader recommendations with highest priority and intensivists press for wider eligibility.