Flu season begins – Record number of deaths in the previous season

In light of a record number of flu-related deaths, Health Minister Petra Köpping is urging people to get vaccinated as the new flu season begins. “The flu is not a harmless illness. We must not take this disease lightly,” explained the SPD politician. Starting this week, weekly figures on cases and deaths will once again be reported and published.

During the 2025–2026 flu season, 264 flu-related deaths were recorded in Saxony, the ministry reported. This exceeded the previous season’s peak of 202 deaths. The vast majority of flu-related deaths (just under 91 percent) occurred among the particularly vulnerable age group of those 70 and older. At 28,557, the number of flu cases in the 2025/2026 season was significantly lower than in the same period the previous year, when 44,432 cases were reported.

Willingness to Get Vaccinated Declines

According to the ministry, the willingness of Saxons to get vaccinated against the flu has been declining for years. Most recently, the vaccination rate stood at 20.6 percent. The recommended vaccination targets were far from being met among both seniors and children and adolescents with underlying health conditions.

Köpping pointed out that the vaccine is effective and well-tolerated. The period between early November and mid-December—before the actual flu season begins—is considered the best time to get vaccinated.