An agreement with the pharmaceutical companies for the availability of the vaccine in the updated form was reached at the Informal Council of EU Health Ministers held in the Czech Republic after the intervention of the Minister of Health Michalis Hatzipandelas together with his Greek counterpart, Thanos Pleuris.
According to an official announcement, after the intervention of the two, an agreement was reached with the pharmaceutical companies and in the event that new vaccines are licensed by a company that have increased effectiveness against the new variants of the virus, then automatically all subsequent deliveries will concern the updated form of the vaccine . Also, following a proposal by Mr. Hatzipandelas, it was agreed that EU member states, in the event of reduced vaccine needs in 2023, have the option of transferring the distributed doses to the following year.
Also, Mr. Hatzipantela informed the plenary at the Informal Council of EU Health Ministers held in the Czech Republic about the intention of the Republic of Cyprus to establish an Office of the European Region of the World Health Organization in Cyprus, which will deal with infectious diseases.
A press release from the Ministry of Health states that during the meeting, the Ministers of Health of the European Union discussed issues on strengthening Public Health and in particular the impact on Public Health of the war in Ukraine, on vaccination as an effective tool to prevent diseases and the Implementation of the European Plan to Fight Cancer.
Regarding the effects of the war in Ukraine, the Minister of Health focused on the creation of a thorough and effective plan for the reconstruction of the Health System of Ukraine, declaring the readiness of the Cypriot government for practical support, as Cyprus has been experiencing refugees and the effects caused by the Turkish invasion.
During a meeting with the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) Committee Council, EU Health Ministers were briefed on the contracts and supply of updated vaccines against the disease COVID-19.
Regarding the Implementation of the European Plan to Fight Cancer, the Minister of Health praised the important work carried out by the Health Commissioner Ms. Stella Kyriakidou, while at the same time he mentioned that Europe can and should lead the way in research and technology in the field of Health, giving as an example innovative radiotherapy equipment being developed in Finland.