“Green corridors” for vaccination against Covid-19 ramain open, fifth phase of national vaccination plan begins

We received all types of vaccines against Covid-19, there are already vaccines in all channels. After May 20, it would be possible to store the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for four weeks, instead of the current seven days., Bulgaria’s Chief state Health Inspector, Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev said at a briefing of the National Vaccination Headquarters on May 10.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and later Moderna one, are likely to be given to children over 12 years of age.Clinical trials are currently underway for children over six years of age, he added.

"As regards adding the list of vaccines against Covid-19, the vaccine developed by CureVac is at the most advanced stage of review", said Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

According to him, it is expected that by the end of June or the beginning of July a permit for this vaccine will be obtained and Bulgaria will start receiving quantities from it as well.

Kunchev said that the fifth phase of the national vaccination plan could now start. It targets specific groups, including people at refugee centres and in prison.There is a need for an awareness campaign. Vaccines will be more than those willing to be immunized throughout Europe," he added.

According to him, the vaccination "green corridors" will remain open daily, if the necessary quantities are available, and will not stop working.

Kunchev said that in the districts of Sliven and Yambol, the interest in immunization is quite low.

He noted that it is impossible to predict what would happen in the autumn with the Covid-19 situation in the country.

"I am worried about the result of the Easter holidays, as the number of hospitalisations is starting to increase," said Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

The immunization of persons, who pointed mRNA vaccine as their choice in the online registration system for Covid-19 vaccinations starts today.

We will help the tourism business to have a successful summer season, he said, adding that almost all people, over 90%, get a second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

"For remote areas, from where GPs have to travel 60 kilometres to collect doses of vaccine, we will try to assist with the supply of vaccines. But I do not think it will be possible to distribute the vaccines to general practitioners everywhere," Kunchev explained. The current practice is that GPs themselves go to regional health inspectorates to collect doses of the vaccines.

By July, there should be no significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, predicts Assoc. Prof. Angel Kunchev.

Bulgaria is opening “green corridors” for Covid-19 vaccinations from April 30 to May 9