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Age limit for 3rd and 4th boosters against COVID-19 is reduced

16/09/2022 07:44

On the 20th of September the age limit for people who wish to receive the 3rd and 4th updated, adapted vaccine booster against COVID-19 will be reduced, following the decision of the Council of Ministers, dated September 14, 2022, the Ministry of Health said Thursday.

The walk-in vaccination centers will be open from Monday to Friday 08:00 – 14:30 in all districts.

The booster/3rd dose will be administrated to persons aged 12 and over, provided that five months have elapsed since the administration of the 2nd dose. The 3rd dose is not compulsory.

The Ministry adds that the 4th dose will begin to be administered from September 20, 2022, to citizens aged 50 and over as well as to people residing or working in care homes and closed structures regardless of age, as well as to health professionals to pregnant women regardless of age. Also, to individuals over the age of 12 with diabetes mellitus, morbidly obese: BMI ≥40 ή ≥35 or with metabolic syndrome, serious chronic cardiovascular disease, serious chronic renal disease, serious chronic hepatic disease, serious chronic neurological disease, hemoglobinopathies, immunodeficient and immunocompromised patients for example in active treatment for solid tumors and hematological malignancies, with a history of organ transplantation receiving immunosuppressive therapy, with a history of haemopoetic stem cell transplantation receiving immunosuppressive treatment, with hereditary immunodeficiency, with HIV infection/AIDS, in immunosuppressive treatment including biological products, with renal failure undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, regarding cortisone use, it concerns individuals who have received or who will receive a total dose of ›10 mg prednisone/day (=8 mg methylprednisone) for one  month in the last six months, given that five months have elapsed since the administration of a booster/3rd dose.

The booster/4th dose is not mandatory. An identification document (identity card, passport) and a vaccination card must be presented for vaccination. Immunodeficient and immuno-suppressed patients can come to the vaccination centers with free access (walk in) by presenting a medical certificate from a personal or specialist physician. The vaccination centers are located in Nicosia at the State Fair and in Larnaka at the Old Larnaka Hospital.