Flu vaccines available in Corfu
CORFU. Until November 1st, vaccination with the four conventional vaccines will only be available with a medical prescription.
This year's influenza vaccines are now available at Corfu pharmacies and those wishing to protect themselves against seasonal flu are going to doctors for the required prescription.
Until the end of the month vaccination with the four conventional vaccines will be available only with a medical prescription. The Ministry of Health has announced, however, that they will be available without a prescription from the beginning of November.
The public will be able to go to pharmacies only with their AMKA number for their free administration. However, vaccination with the new type of vaccines, which are exclusively for individuals over 65 years of age, will require a prescription.
The Ministry of Health has stated that all vaccines, both conventional and new types, are effective and safe.
Delivery
According to the Vice President of Corfu Pharmaceutical Association, Alexandros Stamatakis, 3,000 influenza vaccines have been received since late August, and the delivery of the remaining batches for the island's total needs has already begun. As he pointed out, each pharmacy is supplied with approximately 250-300 vaccines, which can also be ordered from warehouses outside the region. "This year has been the first time that we have received the first batch of vaccines so early. The next batches of orders will be delivered gradually until mid-October. The initial sample indicates that there will be no shortages in our pharmacies," he stated.
Demand
There has already been a gradual demand from members of the public who wish to get vaccinated, given that a 15-day interval is required for the body to develop the necessary antibodies.
"We are already in the period for people to get vaccinated," Dr. Fivos Kakavitsas told Enimerosi. "There is a low-level demand from people of all ages. It is very important for vaccination to be done in a timely manner and before the usual period of influenza outbreaks."
He said that the minimum duration of protection from the vaccine against influenza is at least six months to a year, clarifying that the vaccine has an effectiveness of 70%-80% for most strains of the flu. "Even if someone gets vaccinated now, they will be protected until at least the end of March," Dr. Kakavitsas added.
Recommended
Although seasonal flu vaccination is not mandatory, it is recommended as a priority for individuals (both adults and children) who belong to the following high-risk groups: those aged 60 and above, children (6 months and older) and adults with one or more of the following risk factors: Chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease with severe haemodynamic disorders, immunosuppression, haemoglobinopathies (e.g., sickle cell disease), diabetes, kidney diseases, liver diseases, neurological disorders, Down syndrome, pregnant individuals regardless of gestational age, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals, obese individuals, healthcare workers, individuals in close contact with children under 6 months of age or caring for or living with individuals with underlying diseases, etc.
MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
Photo: Alexandros Stamatakos
