ΝICOSIA — While the idea of a third COVID-19 to protect the elderly and most susceptible to COVID-19 is still being debated by doctors, scientists and governments, Cyprus is jumping on board and planning to give them.

The site Philenews reported the government wants to go ahead, sources not named indicated, the idea said already being discussed between Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela and an advisory panel.

Hadjipantela reportedly asked the  Deputy Ministry of Innovation to be ready with the vaccination appointment portal, expecting the go-ahead for third shots from the European Organisation of Pharmaceuticals.

“Since we are an EU member we must abide by the bloc’s rules and regulations. When the EU gives us the green light, then we should be ready,” he also said, the report also said.

Although some vaccines, such as the one for measles, offer lifelong protection against a virus, other shots don’t, it was said. Israel is already giving third shots although the first two shots of most versions have been given this year in a span of only few weeks or months apart.

Cyprus has been dealing with a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic that's been going on for more than 1 ½ years, lingering as governments don't make vaccinations mandatory, even for public workers despite the health crisis.