Coronavirus: Cabinet approves booster shots for all over 18s (updated)

Cabinet on Monday approved the administration of a booster dose to adults over who have received their second anti-coronavirus vaccine six months previously.

The decision was taken amid concerns regarding the worsening of all epidemiological indicators and increased hospitalisations.

It includes people who were vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or the one-dose Janssen vaccine.

According to the health ministry’s announcement, the proposal was submitted by the health minister following a suggestion by the recently formed vaccination advisory body.

The committee is chaired by health ministry permanent secretary Dr Christina Yiannaki and includes 10 more members from various areas of the medical community.

Cyprus Mail sources confirmed the proposal was not made by members of the health ministry’s epidemiological team, which is made up of experts on pandemic issues.

More information regarding the rollout of the booster dose will be announced in the coming days, the ministry added.

It was not immediately clear whether the new decision will affect SafePass regulations.

A total 82.3 per cent of the adult population in the government-controlled areas of the island had received the first dose of an anti-coronavirus jab as of November 3, while 80 per cent of adults had completed their vaccination.

In addition, about 60 per cent of the eligible population have also received the booster dose, a health ministry advisor said on Monday.

According to data form the health ministry, approximately 35 per cent of people hospitalised with Covid-19 are vaccinated.