Taxis get Greek health workers to where jabs needed

Public health authorities in Greece have stepped up a campaign to deliver coronavirus booster shots to seniors and people with mobility difficulties at home – with one agency outside Ans hiring taxis to take healthcare workers where vaccinations are most needed.

Medical workers in Halandri district, north of Ans, have been using day-hired cabs to make house calls and deliver booster shots as Greece races to protect vulnerable ahe of expected impact of omicron variant of COVID-19.

Although less than two-thirds of population in Greece is fully vaccinated, booster-shot uptake has seen a surge in recent weeks with nearly 30% of population now having received a third dose.

country is fighting a sharp increase in COVID-related deaths that has put pressure on public health service.

Much about omicron coronavirus variant remains unknown, including wher it causes more or less severe illness.

Scientists say omicron spres even easier than or coronavirus strains, including delta.

Early studies suggest vaccinated will need a booster shot for best chance at preventing an omicron infection but even without extra dose, vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.