Hospitals Overcrowded: Doctors Call for RSV Vaccine Approval in Cyprus

The Cypriot Society of Pulmonologists has called on Health Minister Michael Damian to approve the use of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in Cyprus. The society is also pushing for the vaccine to be included in the government’s GEsY public vaccination program.

This recommendation comes amid a growing number of hospitalizations, with doctors reporting a spike in flu-like symptoms among patients. According to healthcare professionals, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of viral lower respiratory tract infections in children.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against this virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms such as coughing. In some cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and the elderly, and can cause serious breathing issues.

In many countries, the RSV vaccine is offered and recommended for specific groups of people. For example, the UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends vaccination for pregnant women and individuals aged 75 to 79.

Medical experts are recommending one of two RSV vaccines (RSVPreF3 and RSVpreF), both of which were approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2023.

High-risk groups include individuals with cystic fibrosis, severe interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and those with heart disease.

Vaccination is also advised for people with asthma, particularly those with severe forms, as well as for anyone over the age of 60 who has conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, chronic kidney or liver disease, or immune system disorders. Vaccination is also recommended for everyone aged 75 and older.

Since the beginning of the year, Cypriot hospitals have been under increasing pressure due to a surge in seasonal respiratory infections.

The occupancy rate in state hospitals remains exceptionally high, with medical staff frequently treating patients infected with four different viruses, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. Reports indicate that 12 people have already died from viral infections in Cyprus since the start of the year.