Cyprus is gearing up for the approaching flu season with a comprehensive vaccination programme set to be finalised on Wednesday.
The national committee will meet to outline this year’s vaccination strategy, which will encompass flu, coronavirus, and pneumococcal vaccines, as well as measures against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“We expect vaccines covering dominant strains of influenza A and B,” said Konstantinos Tsioutis, scientific coordinator of the European Committee for Infection Control. He emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Cyprus anticipates the arrival of 90,000 flu vaccines by 30 September, with an additional 55,000 doses expected by mid-October, according to Christina Yannaki, Director-General of the Ministry of Health and Chair of the National Vaccination Committee.
Yannaki told Phileleftheros that vaccination centres will offer simultaneous administration of flu and coronavirus jabs to eligible individuals. Those declining the coronavirus vaccine can receive the flu shot from their GP.
The programme also includes pneumococcal vaccinations for specific groups and preparations for RSV, which can severely affect infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. A long-lasting monoclonal antibody is recommended for infants up to six months, while a vaccine is proposed for adults over 60 and pregnant women.
“For infants, we see a reduction in hospitalisations of up to 65%, while for adults, the vaccine shows over 78% effectiveness, and 69% for infants,” Yannaki stated.
The health ministry has also stockpiled vaccines for monkeypox as a precautionary measure, despite no current cases in Cyprus.
A press conference detailing the full vaccination strategy is expected to be held soon.
