ATHENS — Greece still has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe and the 'Eleftheria' vaccination programme is ready to offer a third dose of the vaccine against Covid for the most vulnerable groups as early as September, if necessary, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Tuesday.

"Τhe Elefteria programme is now at the stage where we are going door to door to vaccinate our compatriots," Kikilias said in an interview with Mega TV.

The minister said that Greece has surpassed 100.000 vaccinations a day, adding that Greece has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe in terms of both the first and second dose, adding that the drop in vaccinations in the recent period was "to be expected".

On the vaccinations of children, Kikilias reiterated that they are not obligatory and he estimated that as the start of the new school year approaches, the vaccination rates in these age groups will increase.

Regarding the possibility of a third dose, Kikilias underlined that the Eleftheria programme is ready to proceed with the vaccination of the immunosuppressed, vulnerable groups and the elderly as early as September, if the scientists' committee gives the green light.