Filenews 11 October 2021 - by Myrto Zoumidou
Dr. Vassilis Karathanos, Personal Doctor, Secretary of the Society of General Medicine of Cyprus, described the vaccine as an important weapon for the shielding of the population from Influenza A and seasonal infections, in view of the winter, who called on the public that falls under the groups that need to be vaccinated to schedule their appointment through their PD. In fact, as he said, if they have any doubt or concern, discuss it and get the appropriate advice. It is worth noting, that vaccinations have been underway since this morning.
Speaking to philenews, Dr. Karathanos said the vaccines have been received since last week at the Ministry of Health, which undertook their distribution to Personal Doctors. The number of vaccines, he said, is satisfactory, and if the Personal Doctors have proceeded in time to their planning they will have the appropriate quantities they need. Personal Doctors have already received 110,000 vaccines. The health ministry ordered a total of 180,000 vaccines.
Beneficiaries for vaccination are children from six months to 15 years old, citizens over 65 years of age, persons belonging to vulnerable groups, working in hospital or other closed facilities, as well as persons who work and have contact with children. The cost of vaccination is covered by the GHS, however, as far as the general population is concerned, if it wishes it can be vaccinated from pharmacies with the medical advice of the personal doctor. So far, as Dr. Karathanos noted, there has been a lot of interest from the 65+ age group.
Asked to mention whether flu and coronavirus can coexist, Dr. Karathanos replied in the affirmative, making it clear that one does not negate the other. Usually the intense exuberations of the two viral impulses are observed between December and February, resulting in several times coexisting.
Regarding the side effects of vaccination from seasonal flu, Dr. Karathanos noted that there is a possibility that the vaccinated may present symptoms of light flu, such as myalgias, headaches, etc.
Asked whether vaccinations for seasonal flu and coronavirus can be done simultaneously or even if they collide, he replied that, although the WHO's recommendations state that the two vaccines can be administered on the same day, it is preferred to keep a 15-day interval between the two in order to be clearly observed, phenomena of side effects.
