20-somethings in Greece rush to book Covid-19 vax on first day of eligibility

Public health authorities reported a surge in the number of appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations on Thursday, the first day that a relevant online platform allowed people in the 25 to 29 age group to book an appointment.

According to media reports, more than 70,000 appointments by people in this specific age group were finalized on Thursday.

In total, another 420,000 appointments for vaccinations were announced by the government this week; 240K for the Pfizer-BionTech jab; 96.3K for J&J, and 84K for the Moderna vaccine.

The apparent enthusiasm for the vaccines by younger generations, compared to much less eagerness on the part of the over-60 age group, has generated speculation that the Mitsotakis government will offer “perks” to fully vaccinated individuals, beginning in the autumn.

Speculation hasn’t touched on whether people who have tested positive for the virus will be in the same category.

Greece has suffered more than 12,000 pandemic-related fatalities so far, with the vast majority of intubated patients now being treated in hospital ICUs for Covid-19 lacking even one vaccination for the virus. The average age of these specific patients in Greece has hovered at between 67 and 68 years of age; the average age of the victims is 78.

According to reports, the government is considering lifting restrictions for indoor public areas (restaurants, clubs etc) for fully vaccinated individuals; lifting an obligation to conduct and report self-tests; facilitating easier travel domestically and abroad, and, allowing patrons to enter sports and entertainment venues without the need to report a negative self-test.