Czech ministry calls for COVID-19 vaccination this autumn

The Czech Health Ministry on Monday recommended vaccination against COVID-19 this autumn, especially for those at higher risk of contracting the disease, reported Xinhua.

Although the current epidemiological situation in the Czech Republic is stable, and there has been no significant rise in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, there has been an increase in the number of people infected with the virus.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic has been rising steadily since August, and nearly 900 people have tested positive in the country in the past week.

"Before the season of respiratory infections, the ministry emphasizes that the basic prevention tool is vaccination and ... respiratory hygiene. Vaccination is recommended especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or chronically ill persons," the Czech Health Ministry said.

The ministry said that vaccines adapted to the latest variants of COVID-19 have been arriving in the Czech Republic this week, and will be provided for free.

"I would like to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated because it is the best way to protect yourself against a serious disease and to keep the COVID-19 numbers low this season," said Health Minister Vlastimil Valek.