Filenews 24 February 2021
From 1 March the vaccination programme begins at the British Bases with priority given to people in vulnerable groups.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been transferred to Cape Air Base and will be administered by a phased procedure, in accordance with the guidelines established by the UK Immunisation and Immunisation Committee.
Base officials have confirmed that people at higher risk of contracting the virus or people at greater risk of getting seriously ill if infected with the virus will be vaccinated first.
This phase will first include frontline health staff, clinically vulnerable people and the over-50s, with the second dose expected to be given between four and 12 weeks later. UkHCR staff will also be included in the vaccination programme.
Despite the obvious good news about the arrival of the vaccine, the Commander of the British Bases in Cyprus, Major General Rob Thomson, wanted to stress that this is not the end of the pandemic.
He explained: "It is good news that the British Cyprus Forces and the UK Command are now able to start administering the vaccine to the most vulnerable people in our community. Vaccination is an important step in the process of fighting this virus, but it is only one of our means to fight the pandemic. Social distancing, wearing a face mask where necessary and all other measures will remain in place as we continue to fight this virus together with our colleagues and friends in the Republic of Cyprus."
All those in the First Phase category have already been informed by the B.B. medical staff.
Source: eyenews
