The Association of Pensioners in Cyprus has raised concern over recent alarming reports that AstraZeneca vaccines against the coronavirus are ineffective for people over 60-65.
Their valid fear follows a public debate between regulators in Europe who are at odds over whether the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine should be given to the elderly.
In the UK, the vaccine has been approved for use in adults aged 18 and up, but France, Germany, Sweden and Austria say the vaccine should be prioritised for those under the age of 65.
Poland only recommends it for those younger than 60. Italy goes one step further and only recommends it for those 55 and younger.
In the meantime, the Health Ministry and Presidential Palace in Cyprus are waiting for the EU’s health authorities to brief them on whatever new guidelines, insiders told Philenews.
The island’s health authorities are also advising the elderly to get information on the vaccine they will get when making an appointment through the “Vaccine Portal”. And they should take their own decisions since vaccination in Cyprus is not mandatory.
