THE GOVERNMENT yesterday launched the third phase of the H1N1 flu vaccination programme, whereby healthy people and those under the age of 25 were invited to go to vaccination centres throughout the island. Staff at Limassol General hospital said the first day was successful in terms of public response.

According to the director of Limassol General Hospital, Chrysostomos Andronikou, the number of people who visited the vaccination centre at the hospital yesterday doubled compared to previous days.

“By 4.30pm a total of 250 people had arrived at Limassol General Hospital to receive the vaccine. We are satisfied with the response of the public,” he said.

According to Andronikou, people aged between six months and 25-years-old were among those who were administered the H1N1 vaccine.

Overall the vaccination programme is going well, the head of the Health Ministry committee handling the flu said.

Youngsters have started to show up for vaccinations but “not to the degree we wanted,” added Chrystalla Hadjianastasiou.

“We want people to be encouraged,” she said.

Meanwhile, the two serious H1N1 cases receiving treatment at Limassol General Hospital continue to be on life support machines. One of the patients is a 46-year-old woman who has been showing signs of improvement and the second a 55-year-old man who remains in a critical condition.

“The female patient is showing signs of improvement and is responding well to the treatment. Her breathing continues to be supported mechanically. The case of the 55-year-old man is very difficult and serious,” said Andronikou.

Andronikou also confirmed that the 55-year-old H1N1 patient does not belong to a vulnerable group, nor does he have a medical history of past illnesses that could account for the severity of his condition.