What are the flu vaccination recommendations for the 2026-2027 season?
Influenza vaccination remains a primary preventive measure for high-risk populations and healthcare professionals according to EODY guidelines for the 2026-2027 period. The National Vaccination Program emphasizes that immunizing these groups is essential to prevent severe complications and maintain the continuity of healthcare services during peak infection periods.
Healthcare workers are considered to be at an increased risk of contracting and transmitting the virus during their professional duties. Immunization serves as a critical barrier, protecting not only the staff but also vulnerable patients and family members. This is particularly vital for those who cannot be vaccinated themselves, such as infants under six months of age or individuals with specific allergies, or those with a low immune response.
Priority groups for influenza immunization
EODY has identified specific clinical environments where vaccination is considered mandatory to ensure patient safety and staff resilience. The risk of infection and transmission is notably higher in specialized settings. These include:
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
- High-dependency units and specialized infectious disease units.
- Immunocompromised units and transplant units.
- Hematology and oncology clinics.
- Emergency Departments (EDs).
- Dialysis and peritoneal dialysis units.
The guidelines underscore that the immunization of staff in these units acts as a barrier against the spread of the virus to patients who might have contraindications to vaccination. Furthermore, all influenza vaccinations must be mandatorily recorded in the National Vaccination Registry by the administering healthcare professional. Regarding scheduling, it is clinically permissible to administer the influenza vaccine on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine, provided they are injected at different anatomical sites, or on any other day before or after the COVID-19 vaccination.
How has the COVID-19 vaccine strategy changed for 2026-2027?
The COVID-19 vaccination strategy for the 2026-2027 season focuses on updated vaccines specifically designed to target the XFG variant. This update follows recommendations from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to ensure optimal protection against circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The National Vaccination Committee recommends this updated booster for individuals at high risk of severe disease due to age or underlying medical conditions.
The primary target groups for the updated COVID-19 vaccine include:
- Individuals aged 60 years and older.
- Individuals aged 6 months to 59 years with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness.
- Immunocompromised individuals.
- Pregnant women with underlying conditions that elevate their risk profile.
- Healthcare professionals.
Dosage adjustments for high-risk individuals
EODY provides specific guidance regarding dosage frequency for the most vulnerable segments of the population to maintain effective immunity. For individuals aged 75 and older, as well as those living with immunosuppression, the recommendation includes an additional dose of the updated vaccine. This booster should be administered at an interval of six months following the previous vaccination to ensure continued protection against the XFG variant.
What are the new RSV vaccination protocols for adults and infants?
RSV vaccination recommendations for the 2026-2027 period target three distinct high-risk categories: the elderly, pregnant women, and infants. According to the Modified National Adult Vaccination Program 2025, these measures are designed to curb the impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can cause significant morbidity in these groups.
The specific recommendations for RSV are as follows:
- Adults aged 75 and older: Recommended for a single dose of the RSV vaccine.
- Adults aged 60 to 74: Recommended if they possess one or more complicating factors or chronic diseases.
- Pregnant women: Recommended between 32 and 36+6 weeks of gestation, provided the expected delivery date falls between November 1 and March 31. The specific vaccine mentioned for this group is RSVpreF (Abrysvo).
Passive immunization for infants and children
In addition to adult vaccinations, EODY emphasizes the importance of passive immunization for the youngest population. For newborns, infants, and children up to 2 years of age, the administration of the long-acting monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab is recommended. This intervention is advised during the period of increased RSV circulation, which typically spans from the beginning of November until the end of March, as per the National Vaccination Program for Children and Adolescents 2026.
Current data suggests that approved vaccines against RSV offer a duration of immunity of approximately three years. This long-term protection is a key factor in the current strategy for managing the virus within the pediatric population.
How can citizens access these vaccinations?
Timely vaccination is the most effective tool for preventing respiratory infections and their subsequent complications. EODY encourages citizens to follow the guidelines set by the National Vaccination Committee for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, as well as other serious diseases like pneumococcal disease, to protect both individual and public health.
For COVID-19 vaccinations, citizens can manage and schedule their appointments through the official website emvolio.gov.gr. Alternatively, appointments can be organized through local pharmacies or Citizens' Service Centres (KEP). Ensuring that vaccinations are administered early in the season is crucial for building population immunity before the peak of winter respiratory activity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
Yes, the influenza vaccine can be administered on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine. However, they must be injected at different anatomical sites on the body. This flexibility allows for efficient scheduling and ensures that high-risk individuals receive necessary protection without delay.
Who is eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the XFG variant?
The updated vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 60 and older, healthcare workers, and those aged 6 months to 59 years with underlying health conditions. Immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women with high-risk conditions are also primary targets for this updated protection.
How often should people aged 75+ receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Individuals aged 75 and older, along with immunocompromised persons, are advised to receive an additional dose of the updated vaccine. This booster should be administered at a six-month interval from their previous vaccination to ensure continued protection against circulating variants.
What is the recommendation for RSV protection in pregnant women?
Pregnant women aged 18 and older are advised to receive the RSVpreF (Abrysvo) vaccine between 32 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. This recommendation applies if the expected date of delivery falls between November 1 and March 31, providing protection for both mother and newborn.
How long does the protection from RSV vaccines last?
Based on the data available to health authorities, the approved vaccines against RSV provide a duration of immunity lasting approximately three years. This makes periodic review of vaccination status important for maintaining long-term respiratory health in high-risk groups.
Key takeaways
- EODY recommends updated COVID-19 vaccines specifically targeting the XFG variant for the 2026-2027 season.
- Healthcare workers in critical units like ICUs and EDs are required to be vaccinated against influenza.
- RSV vaccination is advised for adults over 75 and pregnant women in specific gestational windows.
- Infants up to age 2 can receive Nirsevimab for passive immunity during the RSV season.
- COVID-19 boosters for those 75+ and immunocompromised should be administered every six months.
Conclusion
The 2026-2027 vaccination guidelines issued by EODY represent a targeted approach to managing the seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses. By prioritizing high-risk groups—ranging from the elderly and pregnant women to healthcare professionals in intensive care—the recommendations aim to reduce the burden on the national healthcare system. The integration of updated COVID-19 vaccines for the XFG variant and specific RSV protocols for infants and adults underscores a proactive public health strategy. Adhering to these schedules is essential for minimizing severe complications and ensuring community-wide resilience during the winter months.
