Filenews 30 June 2021
Vaccinations of people aged 16 and 17 against COVID-19 with mRNA vaccines begin today.
The Vaccination Portal for arranging appointments for people over the age of 16 will open at 7:30 in the morning and will remain open without a time limit.
According to the Ministry of Health, this decision was taken in an effort to further shield Public Health against COVID-19, taking into account the recommendations of the Paediatric Society of Cyprus.
Vaccinations of people in the 16-17 age group will be carried out with mRNA technology vaccines upon arrangement through the Vaccination Portal.
The appointment through the Vaccination Portal can be arranged either by the parents/legal guardians or by the Personal Physician/Paediatrician in consultation with the parents/legal guardians of the children.
When coming to the Vaccination Centres, minors must provide a Written Consent Form for Parents/Guardians for Vaccination of a Minor with a COVID-19 Vaccine signed by both parents/guardians, unless legally (by a court order) this is not necessary.
The Form should be delivered to the Vaccination Centres during vaccination.
They must also provide an identification document (identity card, passport, Alien Registration Card, etc.) of the minor, as well as a copy of an identification document from one of the parents/guardians.
If the minor is accompanied by the parents/guardians (or one of them), they should present an identification document.
The decision to vaccinate 16 and 17 year olds was taken after the recent Data of the Tracing Group were examined, on the basis of which almost 30% of cases are aged 18 years and under, particularly adolescents aged 15-18 years, who have strong social activity and an increased number of contacts.
According to scientific evidence, the characteristics of the virus in adolescents (transmission, dispersion, symptomatology, etc.) are identical to those presented in adults.
The ministry responsible says that in order to ensure that a new outbreak of the virus is prevented in the community and that younger ages and, by extension, their family and friendly environment are protected, parents/guardians are encouraged, after discussion with their children, to consent to their vaccination.
In view of the resumption of the school year in September, early vaccination of children will contribute to the smooth functioning of schools, with the physical presence of pupils, he adds.
