Flu vaccines have arrived in Cyprus. Distribution begins.

Approximately 80,000 doses of the flu vaccine have arrived at Ministry of Health warehouses. After delivery delays, distribution to personal physicians and the private sector is beginning.

Priority will be given to people over 60 and patients in high-risk groups. The ministry also reports limited supplies of pertussis vaccines, but assures that it has reserved doses for pregnant women.

Delivery to doctors and private pharmacies

The receipt of the vaccines was announced on Tuesday, October 27, by Elisavet Konstantinou, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health.

As she reported, approximately 10,000 of 80,000 doses have already been sent for distribution in the private sector - to doctors and pharmacies. The remaining 70,000 doses prepared for delivery to personal physicians of adults and children.

Distribution will be carried out in cooperation with the Health Insurance Organization, which operates the GeSY system. The release of doses for distribution does not mean that the vaccine will be available in every doctor's office or pharmacy.

Deliveries after previous problems

Patients and doctors preparing the vaccination schedule were eagerly awaiting the vaccines. Production and supply issues had previously impacted availability in several European countries, including Cyprus.

In October, private pharmacies were informed that the vaccines they had ordered would not be delivered as planned. The pharmacists' union then asked the Ministry of Health for assistance.

The Ministry has decided to allocate 10,000 doses for the private sector. The latest information about this pool being distributed is therefore also important for patients using private doctors and pharmacies.

Who will receive the vaccination first?

According to the Ministry of Health, priority is given to people who are at higher risk of developing severe flu. people over 60 years of age, patients with chronic diseases — including diabetes and heart and respiratory diseases — as well as people with weakened immune systems.

In the next phase, vaccination will also be available to others who wish to receive it. The ministerial plan calls for flu vaccinations for individuals over six months of age.

The availability of a specific preparation and the vaccination date should be agreed with your doctor.

How to make an appointment for vaccination?

GeSY users can schedule a vaccination with their doctor or pediatrician. Since dose distribution is just beginning, it's worth calling ahead to inquire about vaccine availability and appointment times.

The Ministry's plan also provides for the provision of services to individuals ineligible for GeSY at Ministry of Health vaccination centers. Before visiting, it's best to confirm opening hours, vaccination conditions, and vaccine availability.

The Ministry states that vaccines under its program are provided free of charge. Those using a private practice or pharmacy should inquire about the terms and conditions directly with the chosen facility.

Limited supplies of pertussis vaccines

The ministry also addressed the availability of pertussis vaccines. According to Elisavet Konstantinou, supplies are limited due to supply issues at the European level.

However, the ministry assures that it has reserved a certain number of doses for pregnant women. A supplier has also been selected for several thousand more doses for urgent needs, with larger quantities expected in December.

People who are scheduled for vaccination should arrange the date and availability of the vaccine with their doctor.

According to a ministry representative, a slight increase in respiratory infections is currently being observed, within the expected range for this time of year. The ministry is not currently reporting any significant increase in COVID-19 or RSV infections.