Press Releases

As part of the efforts of the Ministry of Health to strengthen the immunity of groups of the population who are more vulnerable to severe disease, the National Vaccination Advisory Committee during yesterday’s session recommends the following:

1st Recommendation:

The administration of a booster/3^rd dose to individuals aged 12 years and over with mRNA vaccines, provided that the period of six (6) months after the administration of the 2nd dose has elapsed. It is understood that the validity of the European Digital Certificate (SafePass) is not affected if no booster dose is received.

2nd Recommendation:

Administration of a booster/4^th dose of a vaccine to:

1. Individuals over 70 years old, provided that the period of five (5) months has elapsed since receiving the booster/3^rd dose.

2. Individuals, regardless of age, who belong to the categories below, provided that the period of five (5) months has elapsed since taking the booster/3^rd dose:

• Residents and working staff at Senior People’s Homes and other closed structures.

• Health professionals.

• To immunosuppressed individuals (as listed below):

• Under active treatment for solid tumours and haematological malignancies.
• With a history of solid organ transplantation receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
• With a history of transplantation of primary haematopoietic organs receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
• With hereditary immunodeficiency.
• With HIV Infection/AIDS.
• Under immunosuppressive therapy including biological agents.
• Regarding cortisone intake, this concerns patients who have received or are receiving a total dose >10 mg prednisone/day (=8 mg of methylpregnisolone) for one (1) month in the last six months.
• With renal insufficiency undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

It is understood that the validity of the European Digital Certificate (SafePass) is not affected if a booster/4^th dose is not received.

The recommendations of the National Vaccination Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health will be approved by the Council of Ministers at a subsequent session.

(EK)