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Greece Ministry of Health announces seasonal flu vaccination schedule
The Greek Ministry of Health has announced the schedule for the seasonal influenza vaccination campaign. Health officials recommend that vaccinations be administered between mid-October and the end of November to ensure optimal protection, as it takes approximately two weeks for antibodies to develop. While the peak of flu activity in Greece typically occurs between February and March, vaccinations can still be administered throughout the entire flu season for those who miss the initial window.
Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapidakis emphasized the importance of immunization due to the expected simultaneous circulation of the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. Prioritizing vaccination aims to prevent co-infections, reduce the risk of severe complications, and alleviate the burden on healthcare services, particularly Intensive Care Units.
High-priority groups for vaccination include: • Individuals aged 60 and older • Infants and children aged 6 months to 5 years • Individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, diabetes, renal disease, or immunosuppression) • Pregnant women, postpartum women, and breastfeeding mothers • Individuals with morbid obesity • Healthcare workers and caregivers • Residents and staff in nursing homes or long-term care facilities • Professionals in frequent contact with poultry or pigs
For children under 9 years old receiving the vaccine for the first time, two doses may be required with at least a four-week interval between them. The vaccine is considered safe by international pharmacovigilance systems.
Entities
Eirini Agapidakis · Greece · Greek Ministry of Health · Ministry of Health
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Influenza activity in Greece typically increases in January and peaks between February and March. www.ethnos.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Vaccination can still be completed throughout the duration of the seasonal flu if missed in the recommended window. www.ethnos.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The influenza vaccine is considered safe with no recorded serious systemic adverse effects according to international pharmacovigilance systems. www.ethnos.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] High-risk groups include pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and individuals with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or metabolic diseases. www.ipaideia.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines for the upcoming influenza vaccination season. www.ethnos.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 2026-2027 flu season is expected to see the influenza virus circulating alongside SARS-CoV-2. www.ethnos.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vaccination is specifically recommended for infants and children aged 6 months to 5 years. www.ipaideia.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The recommended period for influenza vaccination is from mid-October to the end of November. www.ipaideia.gr · www.ethnos.gr