The Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY) is calling on vulnerable population groups to get vaccinated, noting that there are specific dosage guidelines for each age group.
As the Organization emphasizes, vaccination for the 2025/26 period will be administered with one dose of the updated LP.8.1 vaccine for immunocompetent individuals aged 5 years and older, while specifically for individuals aged 75 years and older, an additional dose of the vaccine is recommended with a 6-month interval from the previous vaccination.
The related announcement from EODY
Specifically, EODY’s announcement states: “Although for most of us COVID-19 infection today manifests mildly, the virus has not stopped causing serious illness and deaths.
EODY records daily cases of severe illness and death, mainly in older individuals or those with underlying diseases. This reality reminds us that, despite the improvement in the epidemiological picture, protecting the most vulnerable remains a priority.
Since the beginning of the global circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, population immunity has increased due to both immunity acquired through vaccination and acquired immunity after infection with the virus. COVID-19 infection constitutes a relatively mild disease for specific age groups as hospitalization and death rates have significantly decreased compared to the period when the virus first appeared.
Nevertheless, the risk of severe illness and death remains high in certain cases, mainly for individuals who are more vulnerable. As COVID-19 transitions to an endemic disease, vaccination programs for the 2025-2026 period focus on immunizing vulnerable individuals at risk of severe illness and complications.
According to the recommendations of the National Vaccination Committee, for the 2025/26 period, those at increased risk for severe disease from the SARS-CoV-2 virus are:
– individuals aged 60 years and older,
– 6 months to 59 years with underlying diseases and conditions that increase the risk of severe disease and
– individuals with immunosuppression.
Additionally, vaccination is recommended for pregnant women with underlying diseases that increase the risk of severe disease as well as healthcare professionals.
Vaccination for the 2025/26 period will be administered with one dose of the updated LP.8.1 vaccine for immunocompetent individuals aged 5 years and older (mRNA BioNTech/Pfizer, Comirnaty, LP.8.1.). Specifically for individuals aged 75 years and older, an additional dose of the vaccine is recommended with a 6-month interval from the previous vaccination. Citizens can schedule their appointment through the electronic platform emvolio.gov.gr or through pharmacies. More information is available at the link VACCINATION WITH THE UPDATED JN.1 VACCINE 2024-2025.
Other prevention measures for SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission include:
– staying at home during recovery,
– proper implementation of respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene measures,
– frequent ventilation of indoor spaces and regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently used surfaces and objects.
Individuals at high risk of severe disease, as well as their caregivers and close contacts, can use face masks when in crowded public spaces (Slow increases in COVID-19 observed across EU/EEA as a new variant emerges).
Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently circulating at low levels in the EU/EEA, its frequency is expected to increase in the coming weeks. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing severe illness and death. Timely vaccination of our vulnerable fellow citizens protects lives and strengthens our common shield against COVID-19.
EODY calls on all those who fall into the categories for which vaccination is recommended to schedule their vaccination immediately, in order to protect themselves and those around them.
Every vaccination is another step to keep COVID-19 under control — for a healthy, active and protected society.”
Three new deaths from COVID-19 in the past week
SARS-CoV2 positivity remained without significant changes during the week of October 6-12, according to EODY’s epidemiological report. No new intubations were recorded in the past week, while three new deaths from COVID-19 were recorded.
Specifically, EODY’s report states:
Influenza-like illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)
The number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 visits remains at low levels, however higher compared to historical data for the corresponding period. An increase was recorded compared to the previous week.
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)
The number of SARI cases per 1,000 visits is at low levels, showing a small increase compared to the previous week.
SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection
The positivity rate from all SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests nationwide showed no significant change compared to the previous week.
Since the beginning of summer, sporadic cases of intubations and deaths have been recorded. No new intubations were recorded in the past week, while three new deaths were recorded.
Since late spring, co-circulation of LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1 and XFG strains (Variants Under Monitoring according to ECDC and WHO/EURO) has been recorded, with a trend of gradual increase in XFG, which is currently the dominant strain in detections.
Nationally, the weighted viral load in urban wastewater is at high levels compared to historical data, showing a sharp increase compared to the previous week.
In most tested areas, the load is at high levels, showing variations depending on the city.
Influenza virus
Influenza positivity in the community (as estimated by the Sentinel primary care surveillance network) and in secondary healthcare (as estimated by the SARI surveillance network) is at very low levels, with detection of only sporadic positive samples.
During the past week, no new severe cases requiring ICU hospitalization or new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded.
Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV
No positive samples were found in the community (Sentinel primary care surveillance network) or in hospitals of the SARI surveillance network.
