The availability of 10.000 doses of flu vaccines in private pharmacies within the next two weeks is confirmed by an official written information, which was sent today by the Ministry of Health to pharmacists.
According to the letter, sent to the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association, the distribution of a total of 10,000 doses of the influenza vaccine Vaxigrip TIV has been approved, through the local representative of Sanofi.
As clarified, the specific quantities have been secured by the Ministry of Health and are expected to be available within the next two weeks.
For the submission and processing of the relevant orders, interested pharmacists are invited to contact the local representative directly.
The official update comes after the disruption caused exactly one week ago in the private pharmaceutical market by the cancellation of orders of thousands of doses of Influvac by Viatris for the period 2026–2027.
The distribution of the 10,000 doses of Vaxigrip is an alternative arrangement to cover part of the needs of private pharmacies.
The State is also waiting for the 110,000 instalments
At the same time, the arrival of the 110,000 doses of Vaxigrip ordered by the Ministry of Health for the needs of the public sector remains pending.
Last Saturday, October 10, the deputy director general of the Ministry of Health, Elizabeth Constantinou, had stated that the specific quantities had already been released from the production plant and were expected in Cyprus within two weeks.
It is recalled that the Ministry of Health has already received 60.000 doses of Efluelda, the enhanced flu vaccine intended for older ages.
Supply problems in Europe too
The situation in Cyprus is not an isolated case, as this year's flu vaccination season is accompanied by delays and adjustments in the supply of several European countries.
In Bulgaria, the Pharmaceutical Association announced on October 15, citing an update from Viatris, that Influvac will not be made available on the private pharmaceutical market during this period, with the available quantities directed to national vaccination programs.
In Austria, delays in the supply of large quantities of Influvac have led to adjustments to vaccination planning, while in some regions planned vaccination actions have been affected.
In Slovenia, the National Institute of Public Health has postponed the start of flu vaccination from October 20 to November 2, due to delays in vaccine delivery.
In the Netherlands, delays in deliveries have affected the planning of national vaccination and the shipment of quantities to family doctors.
In Sweden, regional health authorities have modified vaccination schedules for specific age groups and healthcare workers, prioritizing the most vulnerable citizens.
Similar difficulties in specific products or distribution channels have been recorded in Ireland, Germany, Norway and other European countries.
The picture, however, is not uniform. In some countries, the authorities have secured alternative supplies, while in others the delays concern specific preparations and not the entire vaccination program.
