Cyprus has received around 80,000 flu vaccines, with distribution now beginning after delays disrupted the vaccination programme. The Ministry of Health confirmed that 10,000 doses have already been sent for distribution through the private sector, while another 70,000 are ready to be supplied to personal doctors for adults and children.
Elisavet Constantinou, the ministry’s deputy director, said the first batch would be distributed to private doctors and pharmacies, as previously promised.
The remaining doses will be delivered by a company contracted by the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Health Insurance Organisation, to ensure they reach personal doctors.
Vulnerable groups to receive flu vaccines first
The vaccines can be administered to people aged over six months, with priority initially given to those at higher risk of complications.
These groups include people aged over 60, as well as those with chronic respiratory conditions, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems.
Constantinou said the initial phase would focus on the most vulnerable, before vaccination becomes available to anyone who wishes to receive it.
Respiratory infections rise slightly
The Ministry of Health has recorded a slight increase in respiratory infections, but levels remain within the expected range for this time of year.
Constantinou said the situation is being monitored through the ministry’s respiratory infection surveillance system.
There has been no significant surge in either Covid-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), she said, although a modest increase has been observed.
Flu activity typically rises in December, followed by another period of increased activity in March.
Pertussis vaccine stocks remain low
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has confirmed that stocks of pertussis, or whooping cough, vaccines remain low because of wider supply problems across Europe.
Constantinou stressed that the issue is not limited to Cyprus and said a specific quantity has been reserved for pregnant women.
A new, smaller tender has also been awarded to procure several thousand additional doses to cover immediate needs.
The ministry estimates that the measures taken will be sufficient to meet both immediate and medium-term demand. However, the supply difficulties affecting other vaccines continue to pose challenges for Cyprus despite the arrival of the flu vaccine shipment.
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