Coronavirus: Close to 25,000 receive fourth jab

Nearly 25,000 people have been vaccinated with the fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine the deputy director of nursing services Evagoras Tambouris said on Tuesday.

Speaking to CyBC the Tambouris also stated that in the first two weeks of June 200 citizens were vaccinated with the first dose.

Asked whether those getting vaccinated with their first dose were likely individuals who have over time become reassured of the vaccine’s safety or people concerned about the latest up-tick in cases, Tambouris speculated these were more likely individuals with health conditions or complications who had only recently been given an all-clear for vaccination by their personal doctors.

In total, 75 per cent of the population received the first dose of the vaccine, while 73.6 per cent are fully vaccinated, up to the third dose.

Tambouris noted that the ministry of health follows the instructions of the European Union and a lowering of the eligible age limit for the fourth dose, currently set at 60 and above, has not been ruled out.

Tambouris additionally recommended the use of masks and social distancing whenever possible, particularly in closed spaces and during family gatherings.

Mandatory use of masks in pharmacies and a price cap on rapid self-tests are expected to be discussed by the council of ministers on Tuesday.

Free vaccination clinics are being operated Monday to Friday by the state in each district. The fourth dose of the Covid vaccine is now being administered through walk-in vaccination centres operating in all districts.

On Monday, the health ministry issued a reminder on the fourth dose. It said eligible groups include people over 60 years old; those who live or work in care homes and closed facilities; immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients, people with diabetes mellitus; and people with severe obesity; provided that a period of five months has elapsed since receiving the third dose.

Those over 60 must show an identification document (identity card, passport) and vaccination card. Immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patients will be contacted by the ministry to arrangement for an appointment, or they can visit the walk-in vaccination centres by presenting a medical certificate from a specialist. Appointments can also be booked through the government website.

The walk-in centres are open Monday- Friday: 8am – 3pm at the following locations:

Nicosia: State Fair grounds; Larnaca: Old Larnaca Hospital; Limassol: Linopetra Health Centre;  Paphos: Paphos General Hospital, Kyperounta: Vaccination centre on former SPE grounds (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am – 3pm) and Polis Chrysochous: Polis Chrysochous hospital (Tuesday 9am – 2pm)