Filenews 26 May 2021 - by Marilena Panagi
Almost three hours lasted yesterday's teleconference of the members of the Advisory Scientific Committee, which discussed the possibility of a complete withdrawal of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the vaccination programme in Cyprus, rather than the simple definition of age restriction.
The Committee did not, however, reach a final decision, since many different points of view were heard during the debate, leading to the agreement that today each member of the EES will submit his own recommendation in writing and by name to the Minister of Health.
In addition to the members of the Commission and representatives of the Pharmaceutical Services, the Directorate of Markets and Procurement and the scientific advisor of the Ministry of Health on vaccination issues for the Crown Deputy Professor of Pharmacy Christos Petrou, participated in the discussion.
The death of the 39-year-old, the other thromboembolic events and the fact that the company itself does not present itself faithfully to its contractual obligations in relation to the quantities of vaccines it delivers in Cyprus, were put forward as arguments and in a fairly strong tone by some of the members of the EES but also by some of the guests at the meeting. Furthermore, the need to strengthen citizens' sense of security and at the same time to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent Cyprus from reaching the point of mourning another citizen for reasons that may be linked to vaccination.
Indeed, some of the proponents of this position have questioned whether the Commission can take responsibility for another serious incident or even a new death and have argued that since the AstraZeneca vaccine has already been irreparably damaged in the public consciousness but the company itself is not complying with the agreed contract, it might be more appropriate to take a decision which minimises to the greatest extent possible any risk , no matter how small he is.
Several of the Members of the Commission appeared to agree with this proposal, but some of the scientists argued that the vaccine might have to remain in people's choices, since it is expected that in June Cyprus stocks will be strengthened with several thousand doses of other companies' formulations.
Of course, the possibility of setting an age restriction remained on the table, which, however, according to the information provided by "F", probably came second. The analysis of the stocks of Cyprus at this time and the quantities that will be delivered by the end of June to the Republic of Cyprus, lasted for some time after reference was made to specific numbers and lots which are either certain to arrive on time on the island, or there is no guarantee that they will be received within the specified time frames.
There was agreement on strengthening the sense of security of citizens who have already received the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine and are now waiting for the second dose to be given to them after reference was made to several cases in which scheduled appointments were cancelled, most likely due to the publication of the 39-year-old's death. As all scientists have pointed out, it is necessary to explain to citizens that any complications occur in a certain period after the first dose.
The debate did not lead to final decisions on the substance of the matter, as it was not easy to form a majority for either proposal. Thus, it was decided that the Minister of Health would be sent all the suggestions which the members of the EES will submit by name this morning, so that there is transparency as to the intentions of each individual.
The Minister of Health reportedly pledged that the scientists' recommendations would be faithfully followed, but since there is no specific decision on the part of the EES, the sole responsibility lies with Konstantinos Ioannou personally.
