Cyprus Flu, Covid & RSV Jabs 2026–27: Who, Where, How

Cooler evenings in Cyprus usually mean one thing in every Indian household: someone starts sneezing, and the kadha comes out. This winter, the Health Ministry wants people to add something to the home remedies: a flu jab. Its vaccination plan for 2026–27, announced on 7 October, covers flu, Covid-19 and RSV, and anyone over six months old can have the flu vaccine.

Here is a simple guide to who should go first, where to get each jab, and what to take with you.

The flu jab

Everyone aged six months and over can have it. The ministry is asking people over 60 and anyone at higher risk to go first.

Two vaccines are being used this season. Efluelda, an enhanced vaccine for people over 60, started in early October. The second, Vaxigrip TIV, covers all ages from six months; its delivery was delayed by production problems abroad, but since Monday 2 November personal doctors have been giving it, with vulnerable people and the over-60s first.

Update (4 November 2026): pharmacies are short of flu jabs this year after an order for the private market was cancelled. The Health Ministry says it plans to pass about 10,000 doses to pharmacies once its own supplies arrive, so if you usually get your jab at a pharmacy, ask first or go through your personal doctor.

If you are on GESY, book it with your personal doctor. Some doctors are also calling their eligible patients from lists, so you may get a phone call first.
The head of the GESY personal doctors' association has said that patients pay nothing for the flu vaccines that doctors get from the ministry.

Covid-19 and RSV

Covid-19: also open to everyone over six months, again with over-60s first. From age 12 you can simply walk in to a ministry adult vaccination centre; for a teenager under 18, the form needs signatures from mum and dad (or guardians). Children from six months to 11 years are vaccinated by appointment at the mother and child welfare centres. You need to wait four months after your last Covid dose, and three months after a positive test.
RSV: the vaccine is for people over 75, people aged 60 to 74 with health risks, and pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks, because it helps protect the newborn. It is available all year round. Alongside the vaccine, the state also provides nirsevimab, a ready-made antibody that guards against RSV, to those who qualify under its rules.

Not on GESY, or want both jabs at once?

If you are not a GESY beneficiary, or you would like your flu and Covid jabs on the same day, you can go to the Health Ministry's adult vaccination centres or the mother and child welfare centres, checking their opening hours and filling in the consent form there. Wherever you go, take an ID card, passport or ARC.

What this means for you

Parents and grandparents: people over 60 are first in line, so if your parents live with you and are on GESY, book them in with their personal doctor now.
Relatives visiting from India: they will not be on GESY, so the vaccination centres are the route to ask about. Take their passport and phone the centre before going to check they can be seen.
Expecting a baby: talk to your gynaecologist about the flu jab, and about the RSV vaccine between weeks 32 and 36.
Young children: the GESY doctors' association points out that serious illness is not limited to older people, and urges children, pregnant women and anyone with diabetes or lung disease to get vaccinated too.
Under 60 and healthy: Vaxigrip TIV is now available through personal doctors, so call yours to book. Supplies may still be tight, so ask to be put on the list if they have none left.
Travelling to India for Diwali or the winter holidays: ask your doctor about getting the jab well before you fly, as you will be spending time in crowded airports and at big family gatherings.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your personal doctor which vaccines are right for you or your family.

Sources: Sigmalive, Cyprus Mail, Famagusta Gazette, Cyprus Mail (2 November), Sigmalive (pharmacy supplies)