Flu vaccination gains momentum in Greece as COVID-19 uptake remains low
Interest in seasonal flu vaccination is increasing in Greece as temperatures fall, while public demand for COVID-19 vaccines remains limited despite a rise in hospital admissions, according to health and pharmaceutical sector representatives.
Around 500,000 flu vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the vaccination campaign on October 2, including approximately 350,000 without a medical prescription, Manolis Katsarakis, secretary-general of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association (PFS), told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
More than 90% of flu vaccinations are administered through pharmacies, where supplies remain sufficient, he said.
A total of 3.64 million doses have been imported for the current season, with most already distributed to pharmacies.
Flu vaccines available through pharmacies
The standard flu vaccine can be administered at pharmacies using the beneficiary's social security number (AMKA), without requiring a prescription. The procedure is available to both insured and uninsured individuals.
However, the enhanced flu vaccine, intended for specific groups aged over 65, requires a medical prescription.
Health experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated early, particularly for people at increased risk of severe illness and complications.
It takes approximately two weeks for the body to develop sufficient immune protection following vaccination.
Flu activity in Greece typically increases in January and reaches its peak in February and March, although the precise timing of the seasonal outbreak cannot be predicted.
While vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it significantly helps reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
Flu activity remains below epidemic threshold
Despite increased interest in vaccination, flu activity in the community remains relatively low.
According to the latest report from the National Public Health Organization (EODY), the positivity rate remains below 10%, the threshold associated with the onset of seasonal epidemic activity. It also recorded a slight decline compared with the previous week.
During the latest reporting period, 39 new flu-related hospital admissions were recorded, down from 52 the previous week.
Six new severe laboratory-confirmed flu cases requiring treatment in intensive care units were also reported, while no new deaths were recorded.
High-risk groups urged to get vaccinated
Health authorities particularly recommend flu vaccination for people at increased risk of serious illness and complications.
The priority groups include:
People aged 60 and over.
Infants and children aged six months to five years.
Adults and children with chronic conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, new mothers and breastfeeding women.
People with morbid obesity.
Caregivers and household members of infants under six months or people with underlying health conditions.
Healthcare professionals and employees in healthcare facilities.
Residents and workers in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and other closed accommodation centres.
Professionals regularly exposed to birds or pigs, including veterinarians and poultry and pig farmers.
COVID-19 vaccination lags despite rising hospital admissions
In contrast to the growing demand for flu vaccines, interest in COVID-19 vaccination remains limited.
The low uptake comes as the positivity rate from SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing across Greece is showing an upward trend.
Between October 19 and 25, hospitals recorded 182 new COVID-19 admissions, compared with 121 during the previous week.
One new patient required mechanical ventilation, while one additional death was reported.
Health experts warn that influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are circulating simultaneously, making vaccination particularly important for vulnerable groups to reduce the risk of severe illness.
The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered on the same day as the flu vaccine, provided the two injections are given at different sites of the body.
Unlike flu vaccinations, which are widely available through pharmacies, COVID-19 vaccinations are administered at designated vaccination centres.
Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people aged 60 and over, as well as individuals with underlying health conditions, regardless of age.
Health authorities are therefore urging vulnerable groups to take advantage of available vaccinations as the winter respiratory virus season approaches.
Source:AMNA
