Cyprus launches seasonal flu jabs via personal doctors
Health authorities have opened this season's influenza vaccination drive, with appointments booked through family physicians and older residents given priority.
As of Monday, family physicians across the island are administering this winter's influenza vaccine, the health ministry said, as reported by the Cyprus Mail. Residents who want the jab should get in touch with their personal doctor to fix a time.
The Vaxigrip TIV preparation is licensed for anyone aged six months and up, though priority goes to vulnerable groups — particularly people past 60, who face a greater chance of serious complications. A second product, Efluelda, is also being rolled out for those over 60.
The ministry called on at-risk residents to get their shots without delay, saying timely vaccination lowers the likelihood of severe illness during the flu season.
What it means for residents
For anyone registered with a GP on the island, the practical step is simple: ring your doctor's practice and ask for a flu jab slot. There is no need to queue at a hospital — the rollout runs through personal doctors, the same route used for most routine immunisations under Gesy.
- Older residents: if you are over 60, you qualify for the enhanced Efluelda vaccine as well as the standard shot — confirm with your doctor which one you are offered.
- Families: the standard vaccine covers children from six months, so parents of young children can raise it at the same appointment.
- Timing: protection builds over roughly two weeks, so booking early in the season is more useful than waiting for cases to rise.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
