Fall vaccinations begin in Cyprus. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV

Cyprus has prepared a vaccination plan for the 2026/2027 autumn/winter season. It includes free protection against influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The first flu vaccinations are scheduled to begin within the first ten days of October.

All individuals over six months of age will be eligible for the flu vaccine. The first vaccine to be available will be Efluelda, intended exclusively for individuals over 60 years of age. The next announcement will concern the Vaxigrip TIV vaccine, which can also be administered to children from six months of age.

First, a vaccine for people over 60

Deliveries of the Efluelda vaccine to physicians' offices are scheduled to begin between September 28 and October 2. Administration of the vaccine should begin within the first ten days of October.

Efluelda will be intended exclusively for people over the age of 60. It is a formulation containing a higher dose of antigen, used to induce a stronger immune response in older patients.

The Vaxigrip TIV vaccine can be administered to individuals from six months of age. The Ministry of Health will issue a separate announcement once its distribution begins.

Cyprus has ordered a total of 170,000 doses of flu vaccines for the current season.

Who will receive the vaccination first?

Priority will be given to those at higher risk of severe infection. This includes patients with:

• chronic respiratory diseases,
• serious heart diseases,
• diabetes,
• obesity,
• chronic kidney or liver diseases,
• neurological diseases,
• reduced immunity.

Priority groups also include transplant patients, pregnant women, women after childbirth and breastfeeding women.

Vaccination is also recommended for healthcare workers, residents and staff of nursing homes, and those caring for patients in high-risk groups.

The list also includes people who have close contact with infants under six months of age, who are still too young to receive the flu vaccine.

The order in which patients receive vaccinations will be determined by their physician, taking into account their medical history, individual risk, and the number of available doses.

How do I schedule a flu vaccination?

GESY beneficiaries will schedule their flu vaccination directly with their personal physician. For children, please contact your pediatrician.

People who are not registered with GESY will be able to register at state vaccination centers.

The same option is available to patients who wish to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously. Both vaccines can be administered during a single visit if there are no individual medical contraindications.

The exact date of availability of Vaxigrip TIV and further information on the distribution of the preparations will be provided in the next announcement of the Ministry of Health.

COVID-19 vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccine will be available to individuals six months of age and older. Priority will be given to individuals over 60 years of age and patients in high-risk groups.

People over 12 years of age will be able to attend adult vaccination centers without prior reservation.

Children aged six months to 11 years will be vaccinated by appointment at mother and child care centres.

You must bring your ID to the vaccination. For minors, a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian will also be required.

The next dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered four months after the previous vaccination. In the case of recent infection, at least three months should have passed since the positive test result.

Protection against the RSV virus

The plan also includes protection against RSV, which can cause severe respiratory infections, especially in infants, seniors and people with chronic illnesses.

The vaccine will be available to all people over the age of 75. People aged 60 to 74 will also be eligible if they have certain risk factors.

Adult women between the 32nd and 36th weeks of pregnancy will also be eligible for the vaccine. The vaccine should be administered at least two weeks before delivery to allow the mother's body to produce and pass on antibodies to the baby.

Newborns born between October and March will be eligible to receive the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab. This option will be used if the mother has not been vaccinated against RSV or received the vaccine less than 14 days before delivery.

Nirsevimab is not a vaccine. It is a pre-formulated antibody that provides infants with protection during the period of greatest risk of RSV infection.

Home vaccinations for bedridden people

Bedridden people will still be able to receive free flu and COVID-19 vaccines at home.

The service will be provided by OKYPY's home nursing care. Prior electronic application submission will be required.

Patients or their caregivers should contact their physician to determine whether home vaccination is the appropriate form of administration and how to begin the procedure.

The Ministry of Health will publish further announcements regarding vaccination launches, vaccine availability, and the operation of state-run vaccination centers. Before your appointment, it's best to confirm your appointment directly with your doctor or at your chosen vaccination center.

Sources: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Philenews