There is turmoil among private pharmacists, who, while waiting for the receipt of the flu vaccines they had ordered, were suddenly informed this afternoon that their orders would not be executed.
The development creates a serious problem in the private sector and by extension in the thousands of citizens who are vaccinated privately, with the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association (PFS) intervening with the Pharmaceutical Services, asking for an immediate solution.
According to information, the private pharmacies proceeded with their pre-orders about six months ago, following the procedure indicated to them by the supplier company.
However, today at noon, instead of receiving the vaccines, they received written information that it is not possible to execute their orders.
As stated in the information they received, the inability to supply is attributed to problems that arose in the planning and production process, due to the update of all three strains of the flu vaccine for the period 2026-2027.
This development, according to the information given to pharmacists, resulted in the expected quantity not being available on the Cypriot market.
Every year they order up to 50,000 vaccines
The problem does not concern a negligible number of vaccines, as, according to information, the private sector orders up to 50,000 flu vaccines every year, which are available through private pharmacies.
These are vaccines intended, among other things, for citizens who do not fall into the groups covered by the state vaccination program, but wish to be vaccinated after consultation with their doctor.
This category includes students and other people served by private pharmacies.
According to pharmacists contacted by filenews, if an alternative source of supply is not found, these citizens may be left without access to flu vaccination during this season.
As we are informed, the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association has already contacted the Pharmaceutical Services, informing about the sudden cancellation of orders and requesting the intervention of the Ministry to deal with the problem.
The PFS suggested, according to the same information, that the possibility of making available to private pharmacies quantities of the flu vaccines ordered by the Ministry of Health for the needs of the vaccination program be considered.
At the moment, it is not known whether it is possible to cover the needs of the private sector from other available quantities or whether the Ministry of Health will be able to respond to the request of the PFS.
