The Ministry of Health has announced free influenza vaccines through GPs to prevent flu and reduce the pressure on the health system and said there is a satisfactory stock of vaccines available.
Influenza cases continue to increase across the EU with earlier seasonal activity than in periods prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions during the pandemic have lowered immunity to the flu, meaning that the public is more susceptible to the virus, said the ministry.
High-risk groups will be prioritized, particularly those over 65 years old, people with chronic lung diseases like asthma, those with weakened immune systems, organ transplant recipients, diabetes, sickle cell disease, morbid obesity, chronic kidney disease, and neuromuscular or neurological diseases, said the ministry.
The health ministry also recommends the flu vaccine for:
• children over six months old and up to 15 years old,
• healthcare workers,
• carers for people with health problems,
• people who work in close contact with animals such as veterinarians and poultry farmers.
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause mild to very severe illness. Most healthy people get over the flu without developing complications. However, the elderly, young children and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop a severe illness with a higher risk of complications.
According to data from the influenza surveillance system at the Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control Unit of the Ministry of Health, in Cyprus, the onset of influenza usually starts with a small number of cases at the end of autumn and peaks in January-February.
The Ministry of Health said that the influenza vaccine is safe and effective. Adverse reactions are relatively rare and mild.
