Filenews 26 May 2021
Following several questions from citizens about the rescheduling of appointments for the administration of the 2nd dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, the Ministry of Health informs that text messages have already begun to be sent to citizens according to the date of administration of the 1st dose.
The delay in informing beneficiaries resulted in a large part of the delay in the shipment of the quantity by the manufacturer last week. However, and according to the latest update, the receipt has been finalized at the end of the week and, according to the company's delivery schedule, the quantities to be received in June are sufficient to complete the administration of the 2nd dose of those already vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
In particular, the rescheduling of 12,600 appointments has been finalised so far, while the rescheduling is progressing in the coming days of another 25,000 appointments for the period up to and including 23 June. Beneficiaries are informed through the software by text message. It is noted that in the Vaccination Centres of Chrysochous Town and Troodos Hospital the reprogramming has begun by telephone.
It is recalled that appointments are re-arranged at the same Vaccination Centre where the 1st dose was administered. For example, citizens scheduled to receive the 2nd instalment on June 13 at the State Fair's Vaccination Center A will be rescheduled for May 31 at the same Center.
Once again, the importance of completing the vaccination plan in accordance with the vaccine given to each citizen is stressed. According to scientific data, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk, and as has been shown in various studies internationally, vaccination provides maximum efficacy and protection only at the completion of the vaccination regimen.
The improvement in the epidemiological picture of recent weeks is largely due to the evolution of our vaccination plan. The positive response of citizens is demonstrated by the high rates of vaccination coverage. Up to 25 May, 50.4% have been vaccinated with the 1st dose (372,696 people) and 23.7% have completed their vaccination regimen (175,219 people). In order to gain immunity and shield the population, while reducing the spread of the virus in the community and preventing the spread of mutations, vaccination needs to continue at the same intensive pace.
