Paphos People

Updated flu shots are expected to arrive on the island by end of week, Associate Professor of Pharmacology and member of the national vaccination advisory committee Christos Petrou said on Monday.

Speaking on CyBC radio, Petrou said that there appears to be an uptick in requests for seasonal flu vaccinations, which he attributed to the public becoming sensitised to the general benefits of vaccination in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two additional vaccinations, one for herpes zoster, and the pneumococcal vaccine, are also available and being recommended to the public, particularly high-risk populations such as the elderly, those suffering from chronic diseases, the immunocompromised, carers and hospital employees who come in frequent close contact with these populations.

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Most people worldwide are infected with VZV which remains dormant after a person recovers from chickenpox, however, in a subgroup of people, particularly the immunocompromised, VZV can reactivate years later, causing shingles.

Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

The shot is given free of charge to those in vulnerable groups and can be bought in pharmacies for others.

The flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine could be administered in tandem in different arms, however, Petrou said, it is recommended to allow about two weeks’ time between them, so that any adverse event could be correctly attributed and followed. The same is recommended for the Covid booster short and flu shot.

Asked about flu in schools, Petrou said that waves of the normal seasonal viruses have been observed in schools already and that, as always, personal hygiene, such as handwashing, should be taught and encouraged in pupils, in order to protect vulnerable populations.

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Hopefully we will be getting our yearly flu jabs soon

Already had our pneumonia once for life jab back in the uk many years ago

Not had shingles jab yet!

'People aged 65 and over only need a single pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine is not given annually like the flu jab'.

Taken from this UK NHS article which has some useful information about the Pneumococcal vaccine - I was unaware that certain categories of people could have a single vaccination that provides life time cover.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati ... %20problem.

My husband and myself where both given the single once for life pneumonia jab around 2010 when they first came out in the uk for health reasons ...my husband was 50 at the time ...me 57

There where two pneumonia vaccines back then...1 taken every 5 yearly and one for life

Our uk GP gave us both the one for life vaccine

My PD reviews various vaccinations as part of my annual check-up in order to keep my immunity up to date and taking into consideration my current health issues.

Booster doses of pneumococcal vaccine
If you're at increased risk of a pneumococcal infection, you'll be given a single dose of the PPV vaccine.
But if your spleen does not work properly or you have a chronic kidney condition, you may need booster doses of PPV every 5 years.
This is because your levels of antibodies against the infection decrease over time.

Ask your GP surgery if you think you should have the pneumococcal vaccine booster. A GP will then decide if you should have it.

From NHS UK website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati ... ne-needed/