Cyprus Ministry of Health addresses influenza vaccine delays in private sector

The Cyprus Ministry of Health is seeking solutions to address a delay in the delivery of influenza vaccines to private pharmacies. Acting Director General Elisavet Konstantinou stated that the Ministry is attempting to cover the needs of the private sector through its own procedures.

The delay is reportedly linked to changes in the influenza virus strains included in this year’s vaccines, which has impacted the production process. Consequently, the supplier for the private sector in Cyprus has informed authorities that it cannot deliver the ordered 13,000 doses on time.

In contrast, the Ministry’s own vaccination program is progressing. Approximately 60,000 high-dose vaccine doses for individuals aged 60 and over, as well as immunocompromised persons, were received two weeks ago. Additionally, the Ministry expects to receive 110,000 doses of the trivalent influenza vaccine within the next two weeks, as they have already been released from the factory.