About 80,000 flu vaccines are now in the warehouses of the Ministry of Health, with their distribution process being implemented, after delays that had caused problems in vaccination planning.
The receipt was confirmed by the deputy director of the Ministry of Health, Elizabeth Constantinou, clarifying that 10.000 doses have already been sent for distribution to the private sector, while another 70.000 are ready to be made available to personal doctors for adults and children.
"We have received in the warehouses of the Ministry of Health, about 80.000 flu vaccines, of which 10.000 have left and will be distributed in the private sector, as we had promised, to private doctors and pharmacies," he said.
Regarding the remaining quantities, he explained that the distribution will be carried out by a company leased by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Health Insurance Organization.
"The remaining 70.000 are ready to be distributed to the personal doctors of children and adults, so that the citizens can take them," he noted.
Vulnerable groups first – Who is eligible for vaccination
Ms. Konstantinou clarified that flu vaccines can be administered to people over six months of age, with priority in the initial phase in increased risk groups.
These groups include citizens over 60 years of age, people with chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, diabetes and immunosuppression.
"At the beginning we start with the most vulnerable groups," he said, adding that at the next stage the vaccination will also be available to any citizen who wishes to be vaccinated.
Mild increase in respiratory infections
Referring to the epidemiological picture, the deputy director of the Ministry of Health stated that a slight increase in respiratory infections is recorded, which, however, is within the expected limits for the season.
As he explained, the situation is being monitored through the Ministry's Respiratory System Infection Surveillance System.
"There is no particular outbreak of either COVID or RSV. There is a slight increase, but it is within the range of what is expected for the season," he said.
In relation to the flu, he reminded that there is usually an outbreak in December and a second period of increased activity in March.
Stocks of pertussis vaccines low
At the same time, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the available stocks of pertussis vaccines are at low levels, due to supply problems observed more widely in Europe.
Ms. Constantinou stated that the problem is not limited to Cyprus, while assuring that a certain amount has been maintained to cover pregnant women.
"It is a fact that the stocks of this vaccine are low. The reason is not our problem. They are European problems, which also affect Cyprus," he said.
At the same time, he announced that a new, small offer was awarded for the supply of a few thousand vaccines, in order to meet immediate needs.
"Some amount of vaccines have been kept in our warehouses, especially for pregnant women, so there is no reason to worry," he stressed.
In its assessment, the actions taken are sufficient to meet both the immediate and medium-term needs of the population.
This development highlights that, despite the start of the restoration of the supply of influenza vaccines, European difficulties in the supply of other vaccines continue to affect Cyprus as well.
