Cyprus health ministry to release 10,000 flu vaccine doses to private market

The Cyprus Ministry of Health announced on October 16, 2026, that it will release 10,000 doses of the Vaxigrip TIV flu vaccine to the private market within the next two weeks. This decision follows formal requests submitted in early October by the Pancyprian Medical Association and the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association, addressing supply shortages and the cancellation of previous orders for thousands of doses of Viatris’s Influvac for the 2026-2027 season.

Pharmacists and physicians operating outside the GeSY (General Healthcare System) are instructed to place their orders directly with the local representative of Sanofi to facilitate the distribution process. Authorities clarified that this intervention is intended to address urgent private market needs and ensures equitable access to vaccinations without compromising the national vaccination program. The ministry emphasized that the 110,000 doses reserved for the public sector remain separate and are expected to arrive in Cyprus within two weeks, following clearance from the manufacturing plant.

While 60,000 doses of the enhanced Efluelda vaccine for older populations have already been delivered, officials noted that several European countries are experiencing similar logistics and supply chain challenges this season.