How much influenza vaccination supply is currently available?
Approximately 30% of the total 3.64 million influenza vaccination doses planned for the current season have already reached pharmacy shelves. This supply represents a strategic increase compared to the 3.5 million doses imported during the previous period. According to Manolis Katsarakis, General Secretary of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, there is sufficient stock to meet demand, with a diverse range of vaccine categories available to the public.
Data from recent years shows a consistent upward trend in flu immunization rates. In the 2023-2024 period, pharmacies administered roughly 1.4 million doses. This figure rose to approximately 1.92 million in 2024-2025, reaching 2.04 million doses during the 2025-2026 season. This growth highlights an increasing public awareness regarding seasonal respiratory protection.
What are the different types of influenza vaccines?
The current season offers several distinct categories of trivalent influenza vaccines, each tailored to specific medical needs and patient profiles. Understanding these differences is essential for determining which product is most appropriate for an individual's health status.
Inactivated and cell-based options
Standard inactivated vaccines include the TIVe, which is a conventional trivalent inactivated vaccine produced using egg-based cultivation. Alternatively, the TIVc is a trivalent inactivated vaccine manufactured through cell culture technology. Because the TIVc does not rely on eggs, it can be safely administered to individuals aged six months and older who have previously experienced severe anaphylactic reactions to eggs.
Enhanced and live attenuated vaccines
For specific demographics, enhanced vaccines such as TIV-HD (high-dose trivalent inactivated vaccine) and aTIV (trivalent inactivated vaccine with MF59 adjuvant) are recommended. These versions offer higher immunogenicity. They are specifically suggested for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza and hospitalizations in adults aged 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 18-64 who have undergone solid organ transplants. Additionally, the LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) is available as a nasal spray specifically for children and adolescents.
Is the nasal flu vaccine suitable for all children?
The nasal influenza vaccine, which contains a live attenuated virus, is available in approximately 200,000 doses this year, marking an increase in availability compared to the previous year. This vaccine is administered as a nasal spray to children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18.
However, the nasal spray is not appropriate for every child. Medical guidelines specify that the LAIV should not be administered to children who have experienced recurrent episodes of wheezing in the last 12 months or those with a history of bronchial asthma. Furthermore, children with immunosuppression or those undergoing long-term aspirin therapy are excluded from this specific option. For children and adolescents aged 2-18 living with individuals who are severely immunosuppressed, the inactivated injectable vaccine is the recommended alternative. If the live attenuated vaccine is used in such households, it is advised to avoid contact with the vulnerable person for seven days.
When is the best time to receive the vaccination?
The optimal window for influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-October through the end of November. This timing accounts for the biological necessity of the body requiring approximately two weeks to develop a robust immunological response following administration.
While this window is ideal, the vaccination remains beneficial throughout the entire flu season if missed. Epidemiological patterns in Greece typically show flu activity increasing in January, with peak levels occurring in February and March. Because the exact onset of an epidemic wave cannot be predicted with absolute certainty, maintaining access to vaccines throughout the winter months is vital for public health safety.
Dosing requirements for different ages
For most adults, the influenza vaccination protocol involves a single annual dose. However, there are specific exceptions for younger populations. Infants and children under the age of 9 who are receiving their first flu vaccination, or those who have previously only received one dose, require two separate doses administered at least 28 days apart. For those using the LAIV nasal spray, children under 9 who have not been previously vaccinated also require a second dose after a minimum interval of four weeks.
Who should prioritize influenza vaccination?
Priority for influenza vaccination is determined by age and underlying health conditions that increase the risk of severe complications. Health authorities categorize these into priority groups and high-risk groups to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
The primary priority groups include individuals aged 60 and older, as well as infants and children aged 6 months to 5 years. Adults and children over the age of 5 who suffer from chronic conditions—such as diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, and neurological or neuromuscular disorders—are also high priority. Individuals with immunosuppression, those who have undergone transplants, and those with morbid obesity are included in this essential list.
High-risk groups extend to pregnant women, those who are postpartum or breastfeeding, and caregivers living with vulnerable populations. Healthcare workers and staff in elderly care facilities are also considered at increased risk due to their professional exposure. Beyond the flu, pharmacists are also advising these groups on other essential immunizations, including those for pneumococcus, shingles, and COVID-19.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for the flu vaccine?
Standard inactivated flu vaccines are provided free of charge in private pharmacies to both insured and uninsured individuals without requiring a medical prescription. However, enhanced vaccines like TIV-HD and aTIV, which are designed for higher immunogenicity in specific groups, do require a medical prescription for administration.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy?
Yes, you can receive a vaccine if you have an egg allergy by choosing the TIVc option. This trivalent inactivated vaccine is produced using cell culture technology rather than eggs, making it a safe alternative for individuals from the age of six months who experience severe anaphylactic reactions to eggs.
How long does it take for the vaccine to work?
It takes approximately two weeks after receiving the shot for your body to develop the necessary immunological response. Because of this delay, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated between mid-October and late November to ensure protection before the typical peak of flu activity in January and February.
Is the nasal spray safe for children with asthma?
No, the nasal spray (LAIV) is not recommended for children with a history of bronchial asthma or those who have had recurrent wheezing episodes in the past 12 months. In these cases, an inactivated injectable vaccine is the safer and more appropriate medical choice for protection.
How many doses do children need?
Most people only need one annual dose. However, children under 9 years old who are receiving their first-ever flu vaccination, or those who have only had one dose previously, must receive two doses. These doses must be administered at least 28 days apart to ensure effectiveness.
Key takeaways
- 3.64 million influenza vaccine doses are expected for the 2026 season.
- Enhanced vaccines (TIV-HD and aTIV) require a medical prescription.
- The nasal spray (LAIV) is not suitable for children with asthma or wheezing.
- Optimal vaccination timing is between mid-October and late November.
- Individuals aged 60 and older are considered a priority group.
Conclusion
The 2026 influenza vaccination campaign arrives with increased supply and a diverse range of medical options to address varying patient needs. From standard inactivated shots to specialized high-dose vaccines for the elderly and nasal sprays for children, the availability of these tools is critical for mitigating the impact of the upcoming flu peak. By adhering to recommended timelines and prioritizing high-risk groups—including the elderly, the immunocompromised, and young children—the public can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization during the winter months.
