More than 64,000 vaccinations in Cyprus until February 23

Cyprus is heading towards the completion of one of its main objectives in terms of vaccination coverage of the population for COVID-19. In particular, and according to the initial target set in December, Cyprus ranks first among the Member States of the European Union in terms of vaccination, with at least 1^η dose of the vaccine, persons 80 years of age and older. Having prioritized the protection of the health of the elderly, and following the recommendations of the European Commission to shield this vulnerable population, the National Vaccination Plan, in addition to the short-term goal of protecting the elderly, has a medium-long-term goal of of hospitalizations and deaths and the discharge of the Health System.

In this context, Cyprus is one of the first countries to reach the European Union target of vaccinating at least 80% of health professionals by March, while it is one of the countries that have already started vaccinating high-risk groups. At the same time, the Ministry of Health, wanting to protect the bedridden people, has established a procedure for vaccination at home or in their place of residence, through mobile vaccination units.

The priority of the Ministry of Health through the Vaccination Plan is to protect the high-risk groups of the population, since as it results from study by the Scottish Public Health Center, the results of almost 1,5 million vaccinations showed that a dose of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines is effective and significantly reduces hospital admissions. According to the same study, by 4^η week after taking it 1^th Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of COVID-19 up to 85% and 94%, respectively. In relation to people aged 80 and over, who are one of the groups at highest risk for serious illness, vaccination was associated with an 81% reduction in the risk of hospitalization at 4^η week, when the results for both vaccines were combined. Equally encouraging are the data recorded in a study conducted in Israel, according to which the Pfizer vaccine is 95,8% effective in preventing infection two weeks after vaccination with 2^η dose, 99,2% in the prevention of severe forms of the disease and 98,9% in the prevention of death. The same time, British research showed that the risk of infection with the virus is reduced by 85% after 2^η dose.

More than 64,000 vaccinations until February 23 in Cyprus

The vaccination plan is evolving smoothly and the country is accelerating, increasing the vaccination coverage of citizens and vulnerable groups, along with vaccination by age. They were held until February 23 a total of 64,562 vaccinations, of which the 44,239 relate to individuals who received 1^η dose of the vaccine and the 20,323 individuals who completed their vaccination (2^η dose).

Vaccinations are carried out in nine Vaccination Centers in all Provinces, from a total of 20 workshops. There are two large Vaccination Centers in operation, in the State Exhibition, Nicosia, and in the Sports Center "Spyros Kyprianou" in Limassol with a capacity of 15 and 10 workshops respectively. This week, Vaccination Centers in Paphos and Larnaca will start operating, with a capacity of seven workshops each. With the full development of Vaccination Centers, up to 15,000 vaccinations per day could be performed.

It is recalled that so far, the European Medicines Agency has licensed three vaccines, AstraZeneca, Comirnaty from Pfizer and the vaccine from Moderna, have passed the bar for safety and efficacy. As a standard practice, our country procures vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, as the EU competent authority for the evaluation, approval and licensing of medicinal products. In view of the licensing of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March and according to the information from the manufacturers, it is expected that in March more than 160,000 doses of the three vaccines will be sent, with the flow increasing by 2^ο quarter of the year.

Brief information on vaccination

-As of 23 February, a total of 64,562 vaccinations had been carried out, of which 44,239 concerned persons receiving 1^η dose of the vaccine and the 20,323 individuals who completed their vaccination (2^η dose).

- Vaccination of people aged 71 and over is in progress.

- Vaccinations are carried out in nine Vaccination Centers in all Provinces, from a total of 20 workshops. Vaccination Centers in Paphos and Larnaca start operating this week. With the full development of Vaccination Centers, up to 15,000 vaccinations per day could be performed.