The Ministry of Health has recently announced that it will be offering vaccines against Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), as well as the recombinant monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab for the prevention of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection free of charge, in accordance with the following guidelines.

If you are eligible for vaccination, contact our Medical Centre to book an appointment.

A. Seasonal Influenza

All individuals aged 6 months and above are eligible for vaccination against seasonal influenza However, priority will be given to vulnerable groups and those who are at increased risk, particularly individuals over 60 years of age who run a higher risk of developing serious complications if infected.

The following vaccines against Influenza are available:

• Vaxigrip TIV – administered to individuals aged 6 months and older.
• Efluelda – administered only to individuals aged 60 years and older (depending on availability).

International pharmacovigilance studies have not identified any serious systemic adverse events related to influenza vaccination, so the vaccine is considered safe and effective.

Vaccination against seasonal influenza shall be conducted by Personal Doctors for adults and children, by appointment only for beneficiaries of the General Healthcare System (GESY).

GESY beneficiaries who wish to receive both the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit may attend either the Ministry of Health run Adult Vaccination Centres for adults or the Maternal and Child Welfare Centres for children during official working hours. Parental consent forms are required to be completed for vaccination of minors.

B. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

All individuals aged 6 months and above are eligible for vaccination against COVID-19. Priority will be given to vulnerable groups and high-risk individuals, especially those over 60 years of age who run an increased risk for severe illness or complications.

COVID-19 vaccination will be provided at the following locations:

1. Adult Vaccination Centres of the Ministry of Health for individuals aged 12 years and older, on a walk-in basis.
   A parental consent form, signed by both parents/guardians, is required for individuals aged 12–17.
2. Maternal and Child Welfare Centres for children aged 6 months to 11 years, by appointment only.
   A parental consent form, signed by both parents/guardians, is required.

Relatives and caregivers of vulnerable persons, whether residing in care homes, other institutional settings or at home, are encouraged to ensure timely vaccination with both the seasonal influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Important reminders:

• Persons attending for vaccination are required to have in their possession some identification document (ID card, passport, ARC).
• COVID-19 vaccination may be administered 4 months following the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose.
• A minimum interval of 3 months is required before re-vaccination after a positive COVID-19 test
• Individuals with severe immunosuppression may receive additional booster doses 4–6 months after the most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose, based upon a written recommendation from their physician.
• Vaccination for residents of care homes and institutional facilities shall be conducted by domiciliary nurses in collaboration with Personal Doctors and in line with official guidelines which have already been circulated by the Ministry of Health.

The Home Vaccination Programme for COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination shall continue as before for bedridden patients and the vaccines shall be administered by nurses belonging to the Home Nursing Service of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY). Application forms for home vaccination (for COVID-19 and Influenza) may be submitted by the patient or their representatives (when patients are unable to do so) by email to the responsible District contact point.

C. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Vaccination against RSV is recommended for children with underlying medical conditions and for older adults who are at increased risk of developing severe RSV infection, leading to hospitalization and complications. Prevention through vaccination and administration of recombinant monoclonal antibodies significantly reduces morbidity, mortality and the burden on the healthcare system.

The RSV vaccine Abrysvo is available for the following groups:

• Individuals aged 75 years and older
• Individuals aged 60–74 years with risk factors
• Pregnant women between 32–36 weeks of gestation, to protect their infants
  (Administration period: September–March)

The RSV vaccine is available all year-round according to the National Immunisation Programme for Adults and Special Group.

For the first time, the recombinant monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) for infants and babies will be available on the Cyprus Healthcare System. Nirsevimab is an innovative and targeted preventive treatment for RSV infection. An official protocol for administration of Nirsevimab has been developed and issued by the Ministry of Health and health professionals are required to closely follow this protocol.

Eligible groups for Nirsevimab include the following:

• Infants and babies born between October and March
• Infants under 8 months of age during their first winter season
• Infants and children 8–24 months of age who are at high risk of severe disease