Coronavirus Vaccinations in Greece to Reach 220,000 by End of January

Coronavirus vaccinations will reach a minimum of 220,000 citizens by the end of January, Greek health authorities announced on Monday.
Health Ministry Secretary General for Primary Health Care, Marios Themistokleous, said it is likely that other vaccines, such as the one by pharmaceuticals manufacturer Moderna, will be delivered imminently, thus increasing the number of available vaccines.
Greece is faring well within the European average as far as progress with ongoing vaccinations is concerned, he added.
Vaccinations of health workers, including doctors and nurses, were carried out at 56 public hospitals on Monday.
Some 9,528 inoculations have been carried out since the launch of the country’s national vaccination program on December 27.
Another 83,850 coronavirus vaccines were delivered to Greece on Monday, according to the Ministry official.
The online platform for the booking of vaccination appointments will open on January 11, Themistokleous noted.

Combining different vaccines

The production of the vaccines against the coronavirus was 2020’s biggest scientific achievement, said the Head of the National Vaccination Committee Maria Theodoridou.
Developments in biotechnology, experience from dealing with similar infectious diseases, sufficient research funding, and at least 500,000 volunteers during clinical trials, have all contributed to reaching the endpoint, where, she stated, “we have vaccines that are safe and effective.”
January will see the arrival of more coronavirus vaccines by Moderna and possibly by AstraZeneca as well, she added.
Scientists are now looking into whether the second dose of the vaccine should be administered to people after 12 weeks, instead of the current 4, she noted.
The possibility of combining vaccines by different pharmaceuticals companies is also being considered.

Electronic platform

The electronic platform emvolio.gov.gr is set to open next week, helping citizens get in line for the coronavirus vaccination when their turn comes.
The platform, which opens on Monday, is designed to serve as a registry for citizens who have not signed up for paperless prescriptions on the central Gov.gr website, a process that will, with time, become mandatory for all individuals insured with a Greek healthcare fund.
In the event that you are unable to register on either platform – both of which are available in Greek only and require an AMKA social security number and Taxisnet codes – ask for help at your nearest Citizens’ Service Center (KEP) or local pharmacy.