ATHENS — Ηealth Minister Vassilis Kikilias in an interview with Open TV on Thursday estimated that when 70 percent of the Greek population has been vaccinated "we will be safe".

"We will have reached this percentage in the summer", if the deliveries of vaccines continue normally, the Health Minister estimated, making it clear that the adequacy of vaccines is guaranteed as "30 million doses of vaccines have already been pre-purchased."

Kikilias left open the possibility of vaccinations for children aged 12 to 15 starting before the next school year, if the European Medicines Agency approves the vaccines for these ages. Asked how parents will be persuaded to vaccinate their children, Kikilias said that "the vast majority of citizens are convinced of the need for vaccinations."