Cyprus launches free vaccination programme against H1N1 flu

The Ministry of Health launched Monday the first phase of the free vaccination programme against the H1N1 flu, but only a small number of Cypriots visited the vaccination centers.

“The number of people who came to the 19 vaccination centers around the island was very small. But it was the first day”, Minister of Health Christos Patsalides noted.

He urged the high risk groups to be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus saying that information coming from the competent international bodies says that vaccination is safe.

“High risk groups should be vaccinated. We deem that as very important”, the Minister said.

The first phase of the state free vaccination programme will last until December 12, 2009.

“Vaccination is held every day, including two afternoons per week and Saturday morning as well”, the Minister of Health said.

Answering a question, he said that H1N1 cases have increased in Cyprus during the past few days, due to lower temperatures and their number is expected to rise even more in the winter.