What are the new flu vaccines available

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus.

It can cause mild to severe disease and sometimes even lead to death in high-risk groups. The elderly, young children, and people with certain chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, cardiac and respiratory chronic diseases) are most at risk of serious complications of influenza. Longitudinal surveillance of the disease in Greece shows that seasonal influenza activity usually starts to increase in January and peaks in February-March.

The most effective way to prevent influenza is vaccination with the influenza vaccine, which, when administered correctly and in a timely manner, reduces the risk of transmission, helps to protect against serious complications of influenza and reduces the risk of hospitalisation. 

Persons aged 18 years and older who are included in the increased risk groups may be vaccinated against influenza by a pharmacist without a prescription only with the quadrivalent inactivated conventional vaccines (Vaxigrip Tetra, Fluarix Tetra).

Nowadays, pharmacies also sell the boosted quadrivalent inactivated vaccines: the vaccine with a high dose of antigen (Efluelda) and the vaccine with an immune booster (Fluad Tetra). These vaccines have high immunogenicity and are recommended to prevent the occurrence of influenza and its complications (hospitalisations) in people aged 65 years and older. They have a satisfactory safety profile and are given over the counter by pharmacy with a prescription from your Family Doctor.