Bulgaria: Prisoners, Refugees Next in Line for Vaccination

Persons deprived of their liberty, people accommodated at refugee centres and other vulnerable population groups that are exposed to a high risk of infection due to their living conditions and lifestyle, who fall under Phase Five ofthe National Vaccination Plan, are next in line for inoculation against COVID-19, Bulgaria's Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev told journalists here on Monday after a meeting of the National Vaccination Task Force.

Vaccination is available at general practitioners, at the vaccination centres, and appointment-free at medical-treatment
facilities, Dr Kunchev said. The system through which GPs will be able to order the quantity of vaccines they need and to be
informed of the day and time when they can get them is expected to become operational on May 17, he added.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine's summary of product characteristics is likely to be changed after May 20, allowing for the vaccine to
be stored up to four weeks in a refrigerator, which will facilitate general practitioners, the Chief Health State Inspector said. In his words, at a later stage the vaccine vials are expected to start arriving diluted and ready for administration. "Things with the Pfizer vaccine have progressed significantly, as well as with Moderna's, which might be given to children aged 12 or older. Clinical trials for their use in children over six are in progress," he added.

Kunchev voiced concern about the increased number of hospitalizations following the past ten non-working days. "A
large part of the epidemic-control measures depend on the epidemic situation, and the epidemic emergency may have to be
extended in the future," he said. BTA

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!