Filenews 27 February 2021
With the mechanisms in full readiness and alertness, vaccination coverage of the population against COVID-19 disease continues. A total of 76,176 vaccinations were carried out by 26 February, of which 53,617 were for people who received the 1st dose of the vaccine and 22,559 for those who completed their vaccination (2nd dose).
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Health, the initial target set in the National Vaccination Plan for vaccination coverage of elderly people, including those living on nursing homes, is on its way to being achieved, since so far more than 62,000 people have been vaccinated with at least the first dose. Currently, priority for vaccination is given to people aged 71 and over.
At the same time, vaccination of health professionals is under way, with 10,818 people having received at least the 1st dose of the vaccine by 26 February. In relation to vaccination of vulnerable groups, on the recommendation of the ad hoc Commission on the prioritisation of vulnerable groups, vaccination coverage of groups of patients such as thalassaemics, blood-purified and patients with severe chronic renal failure has begun. Up to 26 February, 859 people belonging to the above groups had been vaccinated with the 1st dose, while new categories of patients, such as people with severe obesity, immunodeficiency and transplants, were gradually being added to the hierarchy.
At the same time, two new Vaccination Centres were launched this week in Paphos and Larnaca, which have the capacity to operate seven workshops each at the same time. As a result, vaccinations are now carried out in 11 Vaccination Centres in Cyprus, out of a total of 26 workshops. In full development of the Vaccination Centre, up to 15,000 vaccinations can be performed daily. In addition, vaccinations are carried out by six mobile units in Cyprus. Specifically, on Sunday, February 28th, a mobile unit will be located in Pedoulakis, where it will carry out vaccinations to people aged 70 and over who have expressed interest, thus covering the communities of the Marathasa region. In addition, Cyprus has established a procedure for the provision of vaccination services at home to bedridden patients expressing an interest in vaccination.
Please note that three vaccines, Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Moderna, have been evaluated and licensed by the European Medicines Agency. An application for authorisation has been submitted to EMA by Johnson & Johnson, which is expected to be assessed by mid-March.
The Ministry of Health, recognizing that the vaccine is our shield against the virus, is proceeding with the Vaccination Plan to cover citizens as soon as possible in order to achieve protection of vulnerable groups of the population and, by extension, decongestion of the Health System.
Source: eyenews
