Second batch of Covid-19 vaccine arrived in Bulgaria

The second batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Bulgaria on January 4. This second delivery will again be dispensed for front line medical workers.

Mass vaccination is expected in late February or early March - starting with nursing and cafe homes residents and teachers.

The second batch of vaccines arrived early this morning by plane. Nearly 5,000 people have been vaccinated so far in the first phase of the immunization campaign. The Medicines Agency has received only 4 reports of side effects, which, however, are not permanent.

An opinion on Moderna's vaccine is expected by January 6th, and an opinion on Astra Zeneca's - by the end of the month. Thus, by the end of January, we may have 3 of the expected 6 vaccines.

Some 25,000 doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech have arrived in the capital and will be transported from there to five points in the country.

"They are in dry ice. This dry ice can last for five days. The lorries in which they will be transported do not maintain a temperature regime, as it is not required when the vaccines are in these boxes," the health minister explained.

Further 25,000 doses are expected to arrive in 10 days.

"The expected amount at the end of January or the beginning of February will be around 35,000 doses, which will already be distributed to 28 points," the minister added.

Vaccination for residents of nursing homes and teachers should begin within a week or two. It is still being specified how many of the 15,000 home residents are willing to get the vaccine, with a staff of 11,000.

"Mass vaccination will start with the senior citizens, the minister said. As regards the Bulgarian teachers, the Ministry of Education is preparing a list of those willing to get the vaccine. they are also prioritised for the jab," added Prof. Angelov.

The head of the Bulgarian medicines agency explained that so far 4 people reported side effects including pain on the shot site, temporary dizziness for about 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine, and another one reported slight increase in body temperature on the next day.

Vaccines will be provided for every Bulgarian citizen, who wants to be vaccinated, the ministry said.