There will be five immunization phases during which the vaccination against COVID-19 will be carried out. This became clear after an extraordinary briefing held today by the National Operational Headquarters, NOVA reports. During the meeting the Minister of Health Prof. Kostadin Angelov presented the National Vaccination Plan in Bulgaria. He stated:
„The plan was prepared by a working group appointed by my order. It includes specialists from the Regional Health Inspectorates, the Executive Agency for Medicines, the Bulgarian Medical Union, the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union and others. The guidelines of the World Health Organization, plans of member states – Germany, France and Italy, as well as that of an American state were used. The plan is dynamic and can be changed depending on the specific situation. The plan provides an overview of vaccines under development according to manufacturers’ information by November 2020.“
For the implementation of the Plan, a National Vaccination Headquarters is established, chaired by Professor Krassimir Gigov. Its first meeting will be held today at 15:00. Prof. Gigov stated:
„The goals are to accept, observe the conditions of the vaccines and specify the expected contingents for vaccination. We expect that the headquarters will fulfill its tasks. Many points that will be considered have been consulted with the relevant medical and industry organizations.“
The five phases developed for vaccination are:
- First phase: the medical staff of the medical establishments for in-patient and out-patient care, health care specialists, dentists, pharmacists, assistant pharmacists. A total of 243,600 people.
- Second phase: pedagogues, users of social services and employees in mink farms – 112,080 people.
- Third phase: employees involved in state maintenance activities, such as those in the water sector. Their number depends on the lists prepared by the RHI.
- Fourth phase: adults aged 65 and over and people with concomitant diseases. The expected number is 1,800,000.
- Fifth phase: vulnerable groups because of their way of life. The number will be determined again on the basis of prepared lists.
During today’s briefing, the Minister of Health also pointed out the regions of vaccination in the country. They will be six in number, namely: For Region 1 is responsible RHI-Vratsa, for region 2 – RHI – Veliko Tarnovo, for region 3 – RHI – Varna, for region 4 – Sofia RHI, for region 5 – RHI – Plovdiv, for region 6 – RHI – Burgas.
Today, two refrigerators for vaccines will be installed in “Bulbio”, and by the end of the day there will be one in the Sofia RHI. The device is expected to be installed in RHI-Burgas on Saturday.
