Cyprus approves 10,000 flu vaccine doses for private pharmacies
The health ministry has cleared a Sanofi-supplied batch of Vaxigrip for private pharmacies, while 110,000 doses for the public sector are still awaited.
Private pharmacies in Cyprus should be able to order 10,000 doses of Vaxigrip TIV within the coming fortnight, the Ministry of Health has told the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association in a letter, as reported by Cyprus Mail. The doses, secured by the ministry, will be obtained through Sanofi's local representative and are meant to cover part of the private market's needs.
The move follows the cancellation of orders for thousands of Influvac doses (Viatris) for the 2026-2027 season, which had disrupted private supply. Separately, 110,000 Vaxigrip doses destined for the public sector have left the manufacturing plant and are due in Cyprus within two weeks, according to deputy director-general Elisavet Konstantinou; 60,000 doses of Efluelda, an enhanced vaccine for older people, have already been delivered.
Several European countries are also reporting delays this season. Bulgaria's pharmaceutical association said Influvac would not be sold privately there, Austria and the Netherlands have adjusted vaccination planning, Slovenia pushed its start date from 20 October to 2 November, and Swedish authorities have revised schedules for certain groups.
What it means for residents
If you plan to get a flu shot at a private pharmacy, the next two weeks are when supply should start moving — but the quantity is limited and orders go through Sanofi's local representative, so it is worth asking your pharmacist early rather than waiting.
- Private patients: confirm with your pharmacy whether it has placed an order and when doses are expected; availability may vary from one shop to another.
- Public sector: the 110,000 doses for state clinics have not yet landed, so appointments there may slip by up to a fortnight.
- Older residents: the enhanced Efluelda shots are already in the country, so those eligible should check with their doctor about timing.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
