New Season of Flu and COVID-19 Prevention Kicks Off in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has outlined a comprehensive set of preventive measures for the upcoming epidemiological season. The Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Republic has signed the annual decree regarding preparations for the autumn-winter period of 2026–2027.

According to the document, the vaccination campaign against influenza for high-risk population groups will launch on September 15. Meanwhile, a mandatory mask mandate for medical personnel will take effect on October 1. For now, this restriction does not apply to the general public.

To manage patients exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), clinics will set up isolated triage filters. Additionally, pregnant women and infants under one year old presenting with infection symptoms will primarily receive medical care at home.

Hospitals are also stocking up on necessary medications, and bed capacities will be strictly monitored. If the workload of infectious disease and intensive care units reaches 85 percent, additional reserve beds will be opened.

Epidemiological surveillance is being intensified as well. Starting September 1, morbidity rates will be tracked on a weekly basis, and from October 1, daily monitoring will be introduced to enable the prompt implementation of targeted restrictions if the situation worsens.

In educational institutions, attendance monitoring and morning health filters will operate to ensure safety. If morbidity rises within schools or daycare centers, the following protocols will apply:

• If 20 to 30 percent of students fall ill, the affected class will remain in a single room under a 7-day medical observation period.

• If the rate reaches 30 percent or higher, the school class will transition entirely to remote learning, while kindergarten groups will face temporary suspension.