Combating respiratory viruses is an important part of protecting public health, according to a related announcement by the Ministry of Health regarding the vaccination plan against respiratory viruses for the fall and winter of 2026–2027.
The three main viruses—seasonal influenza, the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), share common characteristics: seasonal circulation, transmissibility, and the ability to place a burden on the healthcare system. Prevention, through vaccinations and other public health measures, is the most effective strategy for combating these infections.
Timely vaccination against respiratory viruses is recommended during the fall and winter months. The Ministry of Health provides vaccines and medications against respiratory viruses free of charge.
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A. Seasonal Flu
All citizens over 6 months of age are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine. However, priority will be given to vulnerable groups and high-risk groups, particularly individuals over 60 years of age, who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms if they become ill.
The vaccines that will be made available for seasonal flu vaccination are Vaxigrip TIV and Efluelda. Specifically, vaccinations will begin in the first ten days of October 2026 with the Efluelda vaccine, which will be administered only to individuals over the age of 60, subject to availability.
A new announcement from the Ministry of Health will follow regarding the Vaxigrip TIV vaccine, which is administered to individuals over 6 months of age.
It should be noted that, according to international pharmacovigilance systems, no serious systemic side effects of the flu vaccine have been reported, and it is considered safe and effective.
Vaccination against seasonal flu will be administered by the family physician for adults and children, following the scheduling of an appointment (for GESY beneficiaries).
Non-GESY beneficiaries, as well as GESY beneficiaries who wish to receive both vaccines at the same time, the seasonal flu and COVID-19, will be able to receive the vaccines at the Ministry of Health’s Adult Vaccination Centers and the Centers for Maternal Protection and Child Welfare, in accordance with the operating schedule and the required consent forms.
B. SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19)
All citizens over 6 months of age are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, priority will be given to vulnerable groups and high-risk groups, particularly individuals over 60 years of age, who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms if they become ill. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be administered at the following centers:
- Ministry of Health Adult Vaccination Centers for individuals aged 12 and older, on a walk-in basis (walk-in), with a signed consent form required from both parents or guardians for children aged 12–17.
- Maternal and Child Health Centers for children aged 6 months to 11 years, by appointment only, and with a consent form required. signed by both parents or guardians.
Please note that for vaccination:
- You must present a form of identification (ID card, passport, ARC).
- COVID-19 vaccination can be administered 4 months after the last vaccination.
- A minimum interval of 3 months must be observed before receiving a COVID-19 vaccination following a positive COVID-19 test result.
- For individuals with severe immunosuppression, there will be the option to receive additional doses 4–6 months after the most recent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, upon written recommendation from their doctor.
It is recommended that family members of vulnerable population groups—including those living in senior care facilities and closed residential settings, as well as those living at home— encourage these individuals to get vaccinated immediately against seasonal flu and with the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccinations for residents of senior living facilities and closed care facilities will be administered by the facilities’ nurses, in collaboration with the residents’ personal physicians, according to the circular that has been sent out.
The at-home vaccination program for COVID-19 and seasonal flu will continue, and doses will be administered as in the past, to bedridden patients by the OKYPY home care service. The application form for home vaccination of bedridden patients, including simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines. The application form for home vaccination may be submitted via email by the patient themselves or by their representative (a family member or close relative) in cases where the patient is unable to do so.
C. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Children with underlying medical conditions and the elderly are prioritized for RSV prevention because they are at high risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. Vaccination significantly reduces morbidity, mortality, and the burden on the healthcare system.
Eligibility for the RSV vaccine includes individuals aged 75 and older and those aged 60–74 with risk factors. Pregnant women between the 32nd and 36th weeks of gestation also constitute an important priority group, to protect their infants. The RSV vaccine is available year-round in accordance with the Revised National Immunization Program for Adults and Special Populations.
In addition, the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is available, an innovative and specialized preventive treatment against RSV based on the Protocol for the Administration of the Vaccine and Monoclonal Antibody against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
