Booster rollout for 60 plus

Cyprus health authorities are pushing forward with their COVID-19 booster shot rollout reaching down to people aged 60, while adding more vulnerable groups of the population. The cabinet approved the proposal by Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas backed by the recommendation of the epidemiological team to lower the current age limit of 65 for the administration of booster shots.

Authorities will also expand the rollout to cover vulnerable groups with severe chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney or liver disease, those with severe chronic neurological disease and diabetes or other endocrine diseases and hemoglobinopathies.

Announcing the decision, the Health Ministry reminded that people eligible must have completed their vaccination scheme at least six months before getting the third dose. Immunocompromised patients can book their appointment 28 days after their second shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Only the mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna are used for booster jabs, irrespective of the type administered initially.

So far, booster shots have been administered to 26,897 people, including health professionals. Beneficiaries can still go to a walk-in centre for their first shot and booster jabs. First-time jabs are available for individuals aged 12 and above.

A total of 81.5% of the adult population received at least the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 79% have completed their vaccination scheme.

And 41.5% of teenagers 16 and 17 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 41.5% have completed their vaccination. Some 27.4% of 12 to 15-yearolds have received one dose, while 24.6% are fully vaccinated.

Increase in hospitalition expected

An increase in the number of fully vaccinated patients in hospitals for COVID19 was to be expected say scientists, as the majority of people in Cyprus have completed their vaccination scheme.

During an online chat, where the public can question scientists advising the state on handling COVID-19, Dr Constantinos Tsioutis said as the percentage of vaccinated people grows, the higher the chance of a positive case being fully jabbed.

Tsioutis, heading the team of scientists advising the government, said it is also expected that a small percentage of vaccinated people coming down with the virus will need hospitalisation.

“Some of these people could also lose their lives.”

He explained the vaccines do not offer full immunity, that is, they do not prevent infection by 100%.

“Vaccines reduce the chance of a vaccinated person being infected with the virus. There is also the possibility that these people’s immune system do not respond quickly or adequately, and thus causing serious illness.

“That is why we are saying that vaccines provide 90% protection against serious disease, but it is still not 100%.

“On the other hand, since the virus is still circulating within the community and we are not limiting our contacts, inevitably there will be vaccinated people amongst those exposed to the virus.”