Private pharmacies in Cyprus are out of flu vaccines. Orders have been canceled.

Private pharmacies in Cyprus will not receive their orders for the 2026-2027 flu vaccine season. On Friday, October 9, pharmacists were informed that deliveries would not be made. They had placed their orders approximately six months earlier. The Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association has requested urgent intervention from the Ministry of Health.

The problem could affect thousands of people using the private market. However, this doesn't mean there's a complete shortage of vaccines in Cyprus. The state-run free vaccination program uses separate procurement and its own distribution system.

Pharmacies waited six months for deliveries

Private pharmacists have been preparing for the flu season well in advance. As Philenews reports, orders were placed about six months ago, following procedures provided by the company responsible for supply.

On Friday, when pharmacies were expecting to start receiving the preparations, they received written information that the orders could not be fulfilled.

Issues related to production planning and updating the three virus strains included in the vaccine for the 2026-2027 season were cited as the cause. As a result, the expected number of doses will not reach the Cypriot private market.

The private sector orders up to 50,000 vaccines a year

The private market orders up to 50,000 flu vaccines each year. This figure reflects the scale of demand, but it doesn't mean that exactly that many orders have been canceled this year.

Pharmacies offer vaccines to patients who, after consulting their doctor, choose private vaccinations. A lack of supply may make it difficult for them to obtain the vaccine and force them to seek alternative vaccination options.

If an alternative supplier is not found, some residents may not be able to buy the product from a private pharmacy this season.

Pharmacists ask the ministry for help

The Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association informed the Pharmaceutical Services about the situation and asked the Ministry of Health to urgently resolve the problem.

One proposal is to transfer some of the vaccines ordered by the government to private pharmacies. However, this is not a finalized decision. It is unclear whether state stockpiles will allow for the allocation of additional doses without limiting access for patients covered by the public program.

At the time of publication of the information about the cancelled orders, no confirmed solution or date for replacement deliveries was provided.

Vaccinations in Cyprus

The problem of pharmacies and the state program

The canceled deliveries are related to the private market. The state program has separate procurement and its own distribution.

• Do you use GeSY? Ask your doctor about the availability of the preparation and the vaccination date.
• Are you outside GeSY? Check the possibility of visiting a state vaccination point.
• Are you planning a private purchase? Please confirm with the pharmacy whether your order can be fulfilled.

Free vaccinations in a separate program

The state plan for the 2026–2027 fall and winter season provides free flu vaccinations for individuals over six months of age. Priority is given to groups at particular risk of severe illness, especially those over 60.

GeSY beneficiaries schedule vaccinations with their personal physician for adults or children. Those outside the system can use state-run adult vaccination centers and maternity and childcare centers, according to the facility's schedule.

The program includes Efluelda for people over 60 years of age and Vaxigrip TIV for those over six months of age. Vaccinations with Efluelda are scheduled to begin in the first ten days of October, subject to availability. The ministry announced a separate announcement regarding Vaxigrip TIV.

Please check availability before your visit

People interested in vaccination should contact their personal doctor or selected facility and ask about the available preparation and the next appointment.

The mere announcement of a state program does not mean that every vaccine is already available in all clinics. Similarly, the cancellation of private orders does not automatically halt the entire vaccination campaign in Cyprus.

Sources: Philenews, Politis.