By the end of the year a total of 69.6 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, the ministry of health announced on Sunday.

The figure for the adult population reached 83 per cent.

For younger age groups the numbers were lower: 48.1 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds have been fully vaccinated as have 36.3 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds.

According to the ministry, by December 31 a total of 297,589 people had received the third dose.

Vaccination of five to 11-year-old will be held on Sunday at the State Fair centre in Nicosia, where those with an appointment or walk-ins will be vaccinated.

Two santas will also be on site to give gifts to those having a vaccine.