Flu vaccination campaign begins in pharmacies: Free nasal spray option for children

The nationwide flu vaccination campaign kicked off on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with doses now available in pharmacies across the country. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of the expected flu wave during the winter months. More than 3.5 million doses have already been distributed to pharmacies.

For the first time this year, children aged 2 to 5 can receive a nasal spray flu vaccine completely free of charge. Around 50,000 doses of the spray are expected to be distributed across Greece. In addition, a specially developed, immunity-boosting flu vaccine will be available for people over 65, provided with a doctor’s prescription.

A total of six different flu vaccines are fully covered by social security and administered in pharmacies at no extra cost. Experts note that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to produce effective antibodies.

Traditionally, flu vaccines are administered from early October through the end of November, though people can still get vaccinated later in the season. The flu season typically runs from October to April, with peak circulation expected between January and March.

This year’s flu vaccines differ from last year’s: the quadrivalent vaccine used previously has been replaced by trivalent vaccines, which have been registered under new codes by the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). The Ministry of Health is expected to issue an updated directive on the flu vaccination campaign shortly.

Citizens can get vaccinated at pharmacies without a prescription, by simply presenting their AMKA (Social Security Number). Each vaccination is automatically recorded in the individual’s digital vaccination card.

Health authorities recommend the flu vaccine for the following groups:

• People over 60
• Children older than 6 months
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological diseases, diabetes, etc.)
• Healthcare workers
• Residents of closed institutions and care homes
• Individuals with morbid obesity
• People in close contact with infants under 6 months