A new vaccination registry bill drafted by Cyprus’ Health Ministry aims to create a fully interconnected national system for recording immunisations, addressing long-standing problems linked to lost paper certificates and fragmented medical records.
The proposed legislation, titled “The National Vaccination Registry (Establishment and Operation) Law of 2026”, seeks to establish a central digital platform connecting the Ministry’s systems with the General Healthcare System (GHS).
Ministry of Health Cyprus said the vaccination registry would provide immediate access to updated immunisation information across the healthcare system.
Patients reportedly lost vaccination records
The issue has particularly affected seriously ill patients, including transplant recipients who are required to repeat vaccinations and maintain complete immunisation histories.
According to reports, some patients lost paper vaccination certificates, leaving doctors unable to verify medical histories during emergencies.
Organised patient groups had previously raised concerns regarding the current system and difficulties in accessing reliable vaccination records.
Fragmented systems create gaps
The Health Ministry says vaccinations in Cyprus are currently administered through different structures and recorded on separate systems, making monitoring difficult.
Under the existing arrangement:
- GHS beneficiaries are vaccinated mainly through personal doctors and paediatricians
- Uninsured residents and asylum seekers receive vaccinations through Health Ministry centres
- Vaccination data is divided between the GHS platform and the Ministry’s Vaccination Portal
The vaccination registry proposal aims to eliminate these parallel systems and improve national oversight of immunisation coverage.
Ministry warns of duplicate or missing records
According to the explanatory note accompanying the bill, fragmented data increases the risk of duplicate vaccinations or missing immunisation records.
Authorities also warn that the lack of unified access can delay the use of critical medical information during emergencies.
The Health Ministry argues that the vaccination registry will help provide a reliable and continuously updated vaccination history for every citizen.
Digital access and public health goals
Under the proposed system, all vaccinations would be digitally recorded regardless of where they are administered, without duplicate data storage.
The vaccination registry is also expected to improve public health planning by helping authorities monitor vaccination coverage, identify population needs and detect gaps in specific regions or demographic groups.
Public consultation open until June 24
The Health Ministry has invited members of the public and interested organisations to participate in a public consultation process.
Comments and observations on the vaccination registry bill can be submitted through a dedicated online platform until 24 June 2026.
Also read: Cabinet approves reform of medical boards in Cyprus
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