The Deputy Minister of Health, Irini Agapidaki, has issued a circular reminding the public of the adult vaccination program, outlining which vaccines should be administered and when.

Regarding the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, which was recently added to the immunization arsenal, a single dose is recommended for individuals in the following high-risk groups:

• People aged 75 and older.
• People aged 60-74 with one or more of the following risk factors or chronic conditions:
  • Severe chronic cardiovascular diseases (e.g., congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, but not simple hypertension).
  • Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease).
  • Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney failure (requiring dialysis).
  • Diabetes with organ complications (diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease).
  • Severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²).
  • Moderate or severe immunosuppression (due to disease or medication).
  • Neurological or neuromuscular conditions affecting swallowing, coughing reflex, or respiratory muscle function.
  • Chronic liver failure (e.g., cirrhosis).
  • Severe hemoglobinopathies (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia).
  • Residents of long-term care facilities or nursing homes.
  • Individuals with other chronic diseases or conditions where RSV infection could cause severe illness, as determined by their physician.
  • Pregnant women aged 18 and older, between 32 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy, with an expected due date between October and March.

RSVpreF (Abrysvo) for Pregnant Women

The RSVpreF (Abrysvo) vaccine is recommended for pregnant women ≥18 years old, between 32 and 36+6 weeks of gestation, expecting to give birth between October and March. It is administered intramuscularly in a single dose and can be given alongside anti-D immunoglobulin, the flu vaccine, Tdap, and the COVID-19 vaccine.

• A prior RSV infection does not prevent vaccination.
• If a pregnant woman has a feverish illness, vaccination should be postponed until recovery.
• The vaccine is contraindicated for individuals with a severe allergy to any of its components.