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Fears about the H1N1 flu jab meant a slow turnout for vaccinations in its first week. The vaccination was offered to all high risk groups in planned phases. Due to the lack of takers and the increase in recorded cases of the flu, Health Minister Christos Patsalides has called on all high risk groups to get vaccinated from today.
 

People included in the high risk category are people with medium or severe asthma, long-term pulmonary conditions, long term kidney conditions, serious liver insufficiency, diabetes, serious heart conditions, long term neurological illness, people with immunodeficiency and the chronically obese.
 

Dr Chrystalla Hadjianastasiou, head of the ministry's H1N1 team, clarified that from today all vunerable groups from six months old were called upon to get their vaccines.
 

“It is important to do this because for the vaccination to take effect, it takes two to three weeks. So we need to protect these people before the large wave comes, and we reach the zenith of flu cases without people getting vaccinated,” she said.
 

With the increase in cases, especially in school children, Cyprus Education Minister Andreas Demetriou said, “Essentially, we are sticking to the policy drafted with the health ministry since the summer. For now, closing schools is not justified. We’re watching closely and recording what’s going on in each class and school across the island, and will see what special need will come up”.
 
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