The National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Centre (NNGYK) announced that free COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from general practitioners across Hungary starting in early December. The updated Spikevax JN.1 mRNA vaccine, developed by Moderna, is recommended for high-risk groups, including the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, healthcare and social workers, and pregnant women.
The vaccine, which complies with WHO guidelines, targets the JN.1 virus variant. A total of 100,000 single-dose vaccines will be available for individuals aged 12 and over, while 800 multidose vials are allocated for children under 12. Vaccinations are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged for those most vulnerable to severe illness.
For children aged six months to 11 years, a specialized multidose version of the vaccine is available. Each vial contains ten doses, allowing multiple children to be vaccinated efficiently. Vaccinations for young children will primarily be administered at designated paediatric centres, including the major university hospitals in Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs, as well as several specialized children’s hospitals.
Parents of children receiving care at these centres can arrange vaccinations through their child’s physician. If the child is not already under the care of one of these institutions, families are encouraged to consult their family doctors for guidance. In cases where multiple children require vaccination in a specific region, local hospitals may coordinate group vaccinations.
The NNGYK highlighted that while SARS-CoV-2 variants remain present globally, hospitalization and death rates have significantly declined compared to the peak of the pandemic. This improvement is attributed to widespread vaccination campaigns and the development of baseline immunity within the global population.
The current variants generally cause milder symptoms resembling those of typical upper respiratory infections, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.
As respiratory illnesses tend to rise during the autumn and winter months, health authorities stress the importance of maintaining hygiene practices. Frequent handwashing, regular ventilation, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and following proper cough etiquette are essential preventative measures. Those feeling unwell are advised to avoid public spaces and consult their GP.
Unlike previous mass vaccination campaigns, the updated vaccination rollout will not include large-scale vaccination centres. Instead, general practitioners will manage the distribution of vaccines in collaboration with regional authorities.
The Spikevax JN.1 vaccine is available in pre-filled syringes for individuals aged 12 and above, ensuring straightforward administration. With 364 days of availability planned each year, excluding Christmas, the programme aims to provide accessible, ongoing protection against evolving virus variants.
This latest vaccination initiative reflects Hungary’s commitment to protecting public health while adapting to the reduced severity of the virus and the changing pandemic landscape.
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