Flu vaccines for children in Cyprus are expected to arrive about one month later than planned, paediatrician Dr Michalis Iasonidis said, as seasonal infections increase following the return to schools and nurseries.
Speaking to Sigma’s “Mesimeri kai Kati”, Iasonidis said the vaccines were theoretically expected to become available on 2 November.
Delay expected to put pressure on paediatric clinics
The paediatrician warned that the delay could place significant pressure on clinics, as children would need to receive their vaccinations within a much shorter period.
For adults, he said enhanced flu vaccines have already arrived or are expected to become available through doctors in the coming days.
Iasonidis attributed this year’s delay to difficulties in determining the influenza B strain in time for the vaccine formulation.
Why flu vaccines are updated every year
Iasonidis explained that influenza viruses mutate easily, making annual updates to the vaccine necessary.
The World Health Organisation monitors circulating strains in the southern hemisphere each year, using the data to determine the vaccine composition for the following season in the northern hemisphere, and vice versa.
According to the paediatrician, the vaccine covers three strains – two type A and one type B.
Rise in childhood infections described as expected
Iasonidis said the increase in respiratory infections among children was expected following the reopening of schools and nurseries.
He said increased contact between children naturally leads to greater transmission, adding that the infections currently being seen are mainly common respiratory viruses.
He stressed that the intensity of seasonal infections varies from year to year, noting that last winter was particularly difficult.
Sick children should stay home
Iasonidis advised parents to keep children who are ill at home until they recover.
He also highlighted hygiene measures in schools and nurseries, including good ventilation and maintaining distance where possible.
He noted that grandparents often care for sick children when parents are working, but warned that older people can be more vulnerable to infections.
Reminder for parents about RSV protection
The paediatrician also urged parents of babies under eight months old to check whether their children have received the monoclonal antibody against RSV.
He clarified that the treatment is not a vaccine and stressed that RSV can cause serious illness in young children and may require hospitalisation.
Pets and newborns
Iasonidis said families with pets should follow hygiene rules and ensure animals are properly vaccinated and cared for.
He stressed that pets should never be left alone with a baby, noting that even normally calm animals can react unpredictably.
For families expecting a newborn who do not already have a pet, he advised waiting until the child is somewhat older before getting one.
Doctors discuss healthcare reforms
Iasonidis also referred to a recent meeting at the Presidential Palace concerning issues raised by the Cyprus Medical Association.
He said discussions covered capacity planning under the General Healthcare System, patient medical records, professional ethics and disciplinary matters, as well as medical services provided by non-doctors.
He said unauthorised services provided by centres that are not members of the Medical Association should be reported to the police, as the association has no authority over such facilities.
Also read: Medical Services ready to tackle seasonal infections
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