The flu vaccination programme for the coming winter has begun. On 30 September, the Ministry of Health signed the circular on the 2026–27 seasonal flu. From Friday 2 October, pharmacists can record in the Flu Vaccination Register any adult vaccinations they administer without a medical prescription, as announced by the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association. In practice, an adult in Artemida or Spata can be vaccinated at their local chemist’s.
The best time is from mid-October to the end of November. It takes the body about two weeks to build up immunity, and last year the flu began to spread in the community from early December. Anyone who misses the initial window can still get vaccinated throughout the flu season.
Who should be vaccinated first?
The circular gives priority to those most at risk of complications:
- those aged 60 and over,
- infants and children aged between 6 months and 5 years,
- adults and children with chronic conditions, such as respiratory or heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or immunosuppression,
- pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, women who have recently given birth and those who are breastfeeding,
- people with morbid obesity,
- those living with infants under 6 months of age or caring for people with underlying medical conditions,
- healthcare workers, those living or working in care homes for the elderly and chronically ill, and those who come into regular contact with birds or pigs.
What is recommended for those aged 65 and over
For those aged 65 and over, the circular recommends the enhanced vaccines: Efluelda, which is a high-dose vaccine, and Fluad, which contains an adjuvant. Both elicit a stronger immune response than conventional vaccines. They are also recommended for adults aged 18 to 64 who have undergone an organ transplant.
The circular notes, however, that if booster doses are not available, vaccination should not be delayed and should be carried out using a standard vaccine. If your chemist’s does not have them in stock, ask when they will arrive, but do not let November pass without getting vaccinated. All this year’s vaccines are trivalent, meaning they cover three strains of the virus.
Children
For children and adolescents aged 2 to 17, there is also the Fluenz nasal vaccine, which is administered as a nasal spray rather than an injection. Children under the age of 9 who are being vaccinated for the first time need two doses, administered at least four weeks apart, so the sooner the first dose is given, the better. For children, the first point of contact is the paediatrician.
Along with the coronavirus vaccine
The Ministry expects the flu to circulate alongside the coronavirus again this year. The two vaccines can be administered on the same day, at different sites on the body, or on any other day before or after. Anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should postpone their vaccination until the symptoms have subsided. Anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but is asymptomatic and has tested negative should be vaccinated as normal.
Where will you do it?
Adults can go straight to the chemist’s. Pregnant women, those with chronic conditions and parents of young children are advised to speak to their doctor first, who may be able to prescribe the vaccine. The Ministry urges high-risk groups to contact public health centres in good time. The nearest one to our area is the Spata Health Centre; please ring before you go. The circular does not mention the cost, so please ask your pharmacist whether you are required to pay a contribution in your case.
Elderly people who were previously treated at the Municipal Clinic should bear in mind that this year’s programme does not include an internist for the Day Centres for the Elderly (we reported this in September). For a prescription or advice, you will need to consult your GP or pharmacist. Every flu vaccination must be recorded in the National Vaccination Register by the doctor or pharmacist who administers it.
What last year’s flu brought
The circular sets out the EODY (the National Public Health Organisation) figures for the period 2025–26. From October 2025 to the end of August 2026, 164 people were hospitalised with influenza in an Intensive Care Unit, with a median age of 69 years. There were 84 deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza, with a median age of 76. Almost all serious cases were caused by the type A virus. This is why the top priority for vaccination is the older age groups.
Source: Ministry of Health, Circular Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 44629 of 30 September 2026 (ADA 93Σ0465ΦΥΟ-ΕΓ8) and press release of 1 October 2026; Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, document 4036 of 2 October 2026.
