Source: CNA
A total of 130 children, aged 5 to 11, were scheduled to receive the coronavirus vaccine today, said Christina Giannaki, Director General of the Ministry of Health, who visited the Center for Maternity Protection and Child Welfare at the old Larnaca Hospital.
In her statements, Ms. Giannaki stated that "the vaccinations had started in Larnaca and up until 10 in the morning ten vaccinations were given. Children are being vaccinated today in Limassol, Polis Chrysochous, Kyperounta and the free province of Famagusta, while on Monday children will be vaccinated in Nicosia."
She added that "the children who came for vaccinations were very happy and their parents were also very positive. Child vaccination is important because it will cut the chain, while children will be protected at schools from the coronavirus."
On Tuesday there will be a meeting at the Ministry of Health to re-evaluate the operation and a decision will be made on whether to increase the number of days and times for the vaccination of this age group. The decision will, of course, be based on the availability of the vaccine and demand.
Children vaccinated today received a symbolic gift which consisted of 2 pencils and a Christmas fairytale book.
When asked whether Cyprus was the first country in the European Union to start vaccinating children aged five and over, Christina Giannaki answered yes and noted that "vaccines arrived last Monday and we are the first country in Europe to bring in children's vaccines ".
Mrs. Giannaki estimated that 130 vaccinations would be given throughout Cyprus to children aged 5 and over in all provinces. Second doses will be administered in three weeks.
The Latsia Center in Nicosia is scheduled to perform 350 vaccinations when they begin operations on Monday.
Mrs. Giannaki addressed the concerns of the parents whose children were being vaccinated, saying that "parents should not be worried, since their children receive various vaccines, for diphtheria, for flu and hepatitis. I believe that parents should bring their children to be vaccinated in the interest of their health and well-being and in the interests of the community".
A total of 30 children in the old Limassol Hospital, 40 in the old Larnaca Hospital, 30 in the Famagusta Health Center and 30 in the Paphos General Hospital were scheduled to be vaccinated today.
