Cyprus is set to implement a national vaccination registry aimed at replacing easily lost paper records that have been problematic for seriously ill patients, including those requiring repeat vaccinations. The Health Ministry has drafted legislation titled “The National Vaccination Registry (Establishment and Operation) Law of 2026” to address these issues.
Vaccination registry: A Unified Solution for Vaccination Records
The proposed registry will establish a single, centralised system for recording vaccinations across the country. This system is designed to link the Ministry of Health’s IT infrastructure with the General Healthcare System (GHS) platform, facilitating seamless data exchange and ensuring immediate access to current vaccination information.
Current Challenges in Vaccination Tracking
At present, vaccinations in Cyprus are conducted through various structures and recorded on separate platforms, which complicates the monitoring of vaccination coverage within the population. GHS beneficiaries are primarily served by personal doctors and paediatricians, while uninsured residents and asylum seekers receive vaccinations at Health Ministry centres. This dual system leads to a fragmented approach where two separate recording systems operate concurrently: the GHS platform and the Ministry’s Vaccination Portal, which was initially focused on Covid-19 vaccinations.
Risks of Fragmented Data
The Health Ministry has highlighted that the existing setup makes it difficult to obtain a comprehensive and reliable view of vaccination coverage. This fragmentation increases the risk of duplicate vaccinations or instances where vaccinations go unrecorded. Furthermore, the lack of unified data access hinders the ability to utilise critical health information in emergencies.
Benefits of the National Registry
With the introduction of the National Vaccination Registry, all vaccinations will be recorded digitally, regardless of the location where they are administered. This initiative aims to eliminate duplicate data storage, ensuring that every citizen has access to a continuously updated vaccination history.
Additionally, the Health Ministry asserts that the registry will enhance public health and prevention efforts by providing authorities with a clearer understanding of vaccination coverage rates, population needs, and potential gaps in specific demographics.
Public Involvement and Next Steps
The Health Ministry is encouraging public participation in the development of the registry. Citizens and interested parties are invited to engage in a public consultation process, where they can submit comments and observations via a dedicated online platform until June 24, 2026. This collaborative approach aims to refine the registry and ensure it meets the diverse needs of the population.
