The Cyprus Ministry of Health in the South has issued instructions regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, urging vulnerable groups to get the shot.
The vaccines are available for seasonal influenza, Influvac sab-unit Tetra and Efluelda, with Efluelda given to citizens over 60 and Influvac sab-unit Tetra to people over 6 months. The flu vaccine is provided free to all beneficiaries of the national health scheme (GeSY), with priority given to vulnerable and high-risk groups.
Vaccination with the flu vaccine will be provided by personal physicians with an appointment, while vaccination for COVID-19 will be provided by health professionals at adult immunisation centres and Maternity Protection and Child Welfare Centers on a walk-in basis. If a beneficiary wishes to be vaccinated with both vaccines at the same time, they can be accommodated at the centres.
Vulnerable groups include adults aged 60 years or older, children over 6 months, and those with one or more aggravating factors or chronic conditions. Vulnerable groups also include pregnant women, lactating women, children, and adults who take long-term aspirin.
The Ministry advises staff and students of boarding schools, military and police academies, inmates, recruits in the armed forces, conscripts in classification centres, workers in health service areas, professionals, and general people who come into systematic contact with poultry, such as farmers to get the shot.
In terms of COVID-19 vaccination, the highest risk for severe disease and complications is in those over 60, living or working in nursing homes and closed structures, healthcare workers, diabetics, severe obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic heart and vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and neurological diseases.
