Greece approves AstraZeneca Vaccine for citizens under 64 years of age

·

Greece’s National Vaccination Committee has unanimously approved the vaccine against the coronavirus produced by pharmaceuticals firm AstraZeneca, for those aged 64 and younger.

Vaccinations for the 60-64 age group will start sometime after February 12, it was announced Friday.

President of the National Vaccination Committee Maria Theodoridou and the general secretary of Primary Health Care Marios Themistokleous said the vaccine has good safety, immunity, and efficacy characteristics.

“The National Vaccination Committee has reviewed in detail all available data regarding the safety and efficacy of the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine, following the recent approval of the vaccine by the European Medicines Agency for use in people 18 years of age and older, and in view of the possibility of its availability in Greece in the near future,” Theodoridou stated.

In Greece, as in other European countries, the specific vaccine will be administered to those aged between 18 and 64.

“Let me remind you that very large countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, have already vaccinated thousands of people and people over the age of 65. And since we will have the effectiveness of the vaccine in these groups by the end of the month, then we are expected to change this decision as well,” Themistocleous said.

“Operationally, we will develop two parallel systems. The first system is the one we have at the moment and next to it we will open a second one in which the AstraZeneca vaccine will be used, with the first age category that we will open for these vaccinations being 60-64.

“The two systems will not intersect,” he noted. “That is, a citizen who is over 80 years old will be able to make an appointment only in specific vaccination centres, while citizens aged 60-64 will be able to make an appointment only in the vaccination centres with AstraZeneca vaccines, not in the vaccination centres using the other inoculations.”

The online registration platform will open in the coming days.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

‘Omeros on the Beach’ restaurant at Ramsgate Beach permanently closes after almost 20 years

St George's Greek community is outraged after 'Omeros on the Beach' restaurant at Ramsgate Beach closed its doors for good.

Customs and traditions in celebration of Panagia

On August 15th, Greek Orthodox Christians across the world celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Commonly referred to as 'Panagia' and 'Dekapentavgoustos', meaning 'August...

Kalavryton Society in NSW mark Greek Independence Day with annual dance

The Kalavryton Society in NSW 'Aghia Lavra' celebrated Greek Independence Day and its 59th anniversary with a dinner dance on Saturday.