Flu vaccinations for people over 60 have begun, as personal doctors have received the first enhanced vaccines, the president of the Cyprus Association of GESY Personal Doctors, Maria Avraamidou, has said.
For those under 60, vaccines are expected in about two weeks, around the middle of October. She urged a little patience, explaining that the process is not behind schedule, as flu usually appears later in Cyprus. However, she said two cases had already been recorded this year in people who had travelled abroad.
Vaccinations are being organised in different ways, either during a visit to the personal doctor or through lists and telephone contact with eligible patients. She clarified that flu vaccines which personal doctors obtain from the Health Ministry are given free of charge.
Avraamidou stressed the importance of vaccination for younger people too, particularly pregnant women, children and people with lung disease, diabetes and other health problems. Although those over 60 are more vulnerable, she noted that severe illness and hospital stays of several days can also affect younger people.
She said vaccination is a means of prevention and helps reduce the severity of symptoms, hospitalisations and deaths. She also estimated that COVID-19 now appears to be much milder than flu.
