Filenews 21 September 2023
Vaccinations with the new adapted vaccines against COVID-2 and seasonal flu vaccines begin on October 2023, 19, which will be carried out at the Adult Vaccination Centres at the same time.
According to what was said on Thursday, during the presentation of the Vaccination Plan of the Ministry of Health against Covid -19 and influenza for autumn / winter 2023 -2024, adult vaccinations for both COVID-19 and seasonal flu will be able to be carried out simultaneously at the existing Vaccination Centres of the Ministry of Health on a pancyprian basis, for those who will get the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, the administration of flu vaccines will continue by personal doctors, for those who do not want to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is noted that the change this year is that the Vaccination Centres of the Ministry of Health will simultaneously provide the COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine. Specifically, the left hand will be given the COVID vaccine and the right hand the flu vaccine, in order to monitor local reactions in individuals, who will be vaccinated with both vaccines.
This, according to the Ministry of Health, will facilitate the reporting of any local or other adverse reactions through the Yellow Card, which can be completed through the website of the Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of Health.
COVID-19 vaccination efforts during the autumn/winter 2023-2024 period focus on protecting people over the age of 60, as well as other vulnerable people, regardless of age, with underlying comorbidities and immunosuppression.
Along the same lines is the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) strategy for seasonal influenza, with the main objective of directly or indirectly protecting the most vulnerable people, who are more likely to develop serious illness if infected with influenza viruses.
In the case of the seasonal flu vaccine, healthy children and adolescents, as well as adults – professionals, are also targeted to reduce transmissibility.
What is the current state of COVID-19 in the EU?
According to the data, which were provided by the ECDC until September 10, 2023, there is a decrease in COVID-19 cases, in contrast to the increasing trend observed in previous weeks.
However, of the 19 countries that reported data, seven reported an increase in COVID-19 cases.
At the same time, according to the same data, the rates of referrals of patients who came to general practitioners with respiratory disease increased in several countries, but remained similar to the low levels observed in the same period last year.
In addition, among the 16 countries reporting data on specific age-positive cases for COVID-19, 14 observed increases in case rates in people aged 65 and over.
Of these, 9 countries reported hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19.
Beneficiaries – Vaccination Centres – Procedure
Presenting the vaccination plan on behalf of the General Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Christina Giannaki, Dr. Elena Gavriel said that vaccinations will be carried out by appointment, after telephone communication, noting that initially in the early days they will concern predetermined groups, which remain more vulnerable to serious illnesses from COVID-19 or seasonal flu.
According to Dr Gavriel, vaccinations will take place:
Nicosia - Latsia Health Centre every Friday from 08:00 to 14:30
Limassol - Linopetra Health Centre every Friday from 08:00 to 14:30 and at the Kyperounta Centre every Wednesday from 08:00 to 14:30
Larnaka at the Old Hospital every Friday from 08:00 to 14:30
Paphos at General Hospital every Friday from 08:00 to 14:30
Polis Chrysochous Hospital every Tuesday from 09:00 to 13:30
Famagusta at Famagusta Health Centre every Friday from 08:00 to 14:30.
In relation to the vaccination, Dr. Gavriel said that as in previous times, it is necessary to present an identification document (ID, passport or other), while health professionals will be able to present the license to practice the profession, the immunosuppressed, immunodeficient patients, as well as people with chronic severe disease or obesity, a medical certificate from a personal or specialist doctor.
At the same time, he noted that with the implementation of vaccinations, a seasonal flu vaccination card will be given, where the vaccination, the type of vaccine and the personal details of the beneficiary will be noted, while he added that the vaccination card can be presented to personal doctors for registration of vaccination in the GHS system.
Cyprus has access to the latest approved COVID-19 vaccines
According to Dr. Gavriel, Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union, has access to the latest approved COVID-19 vaccines, in quantities required to protect vulnerable groups and address the epidemiological evolution of the virus.
"According to ECDC and EMA, regarding the update of the composition of COVID-19 vaccines, BioNTech-Phizer adapted the COVID-19 vaccine to target the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB 1.5 strain, which is closely related to other variants currently circulating."
Cyprus will receive more than 70,000 vaccines in early October
Regarding orders, quantities, types of vaccines against COVID-19, Dr. Gabriel said that "out of 158,400 Pfizer Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines, we will have received more than 70,000 by early October", adding that "this vaccine can be used in adults, regardless of their vaccination history".
In addition, he noted that Cyprus is participating by ordering a number of vaccines with the new adapted Novavax vaccine, which will be delivered to us when it receives approval from EMA.
In relation to seasonal flu vaccines, Dr. Gabriel said that according to existing contracts, 170,000 vaccines are expected, noting that 30,000 concern the new fluelda vaccine and will be given only to people over 70 years old, according to the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee.
He noted that Cyprus is part of a small number of countries that have had access to this vaccine, along with countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece and others.
In addition, he said that by the end of next week we will have 80,600 Vaxigrip vaccines for delivery and 15,2023 for delivery by October.
Regarding the closed structures and especially the homes for the elderly, he said that the Epidemiological Surveillance & Control of Infectious Diseases Unit in cooperation with the Visitors Service of the Nursing Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health, organized a series of actions.
As he said, contact was made with the nursing homes in each district to inform and coordinate vaccination actions, mobile vaccination units have been organized and specific instructions and forms have been sent regarding the organization and process of vaccination of residents.
Moreover, Dr. Gavriel said that influenza vaccination is a key pillar in the vaccination programs of health service personnel worldwide and has been recommended in Cyprus for more than three decades.
"The logic of flu vaccination is based on the need to protect the workers themselves, but mainly on the indirect protection of patients, especially those belonging to the high-risk groups, from influenza," he said.
It is stressed, he added, "that health care facilities have an obligation to protect patients and their staff."
"Therefore, the vaccination of health professionals against seasonal influenza is an important measure for the prevention and control of the transmission of infections in health care facilities, but also for the promotion of occupational health, since during the influenza outbreak, the demand for medical assessment and nursing care peaks," he noted
Campaign against COVID-19 and influenza
Referring to the campaign against COVID-19 and influenza, which has already begun and will culminate in October 2023, Dr. Gabriel said that posters, triptychs, film and audio message, as well as a press release, have been prepared for dissemination to the media to inform the public.
At the same time, he said, relevant circulars have been sent to health professionals, which will include measures to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses in health care facilities and the promotion of vaccination.
In addition, hospitals and personal doctors of the system will be informed.
Benefits to children of vaccination
In relation to the benefits of vaccinating children against seasonal flu, Dr Gabriel said vaccinating them reduces the absence of students and staff in schools, promotes a healthy working environment in schools and the wider community, and reduces the likelihood of influenza in schools with the symptoms of which can be confused with those of COVID-19.
In adults, he said, it reduced heart attacks by 50%, the number of deaths in diabetic patients by 28%, and the risk of stroke in patients with respiratory diseases by 24%.
Only 4% of the EU population aged 60 received a 3rd dose
Addressing the presentation of the Vaccination Plan against Covid-19 and influenza, the Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari said that in the European Union, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has been monitored since the start of the vaccination campaign in December 2020, adding that by August 2023, 84.9% of the population aged 60 and over in European Union countries, received a first booster dose.
According to Popi Kanari, for the second booster dose, the percentage is less at 35.6%, while only 4% of the population aged 60 and over has received a third.
Regarding seasonal influenza, the Minister of Health said that during the winter months it takes epidemic proportions in Europe, while it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in all member states, adding that "complications of influenza are more common in the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases".
Therefore, she noted, "the best way to prevent influenza and its complications is vaccination. As flu viruses change, it is required that the flu vaccine every year keep pace with the viruses that are circulating."
In Cyprus, Kanari said, "flu cases usually occur in late autumn and during winter, so October is the optimal period for vaccination. However, the percentage of the population vaccinated against influenza each year is much lower than the World Health Organization's target of 75%."
