Klekovski: 30,000 flu vaccines have arrived in the country

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski confirmed that 30,000 flu vaccines have arrived in the country, secured from European and South Korean manufacturers. In a statement to Sitel television, he said the immunization process would begin on time, as it does every season.

The authorities expect another 26,000 doses to arrive by mid-November. The country will then receive the remaining quantities, reaching the planned target of 80,000 vaccines.

“The first batches of vaccines arrived in the country yesterday and will undergo the necessary checks and testing. We expect the ‘My Appointment’ system to be activated on Tuesday for vaccination registration and, according to the plan, to begin inviting citizens for vaccination by the end of the week or at the beginning of next week,” Klekovski told Sitel TV.

Health authorities announced supply delays at the beginning of this week. According to them, the World Health Organization published the virus strains for the current season later than usual, causing manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere to start producing and shipping the vaccines late.

During the previous season as well, the Ministry of Health had secured 80,000 flu vaccines, which were offered free of charge to vulnerable groups.

Klekovski explained that the 30,000 doses that arrived yesterday would enable 1,500 citizens to be vaccinated each working day through November 15.

“With these 30,000 vaccines, we expect to be able to vaccinate 1,500 citizens on working days through November 15. Then, with the next 26,000 doses, we could reach 56,000 by the end of November, and I hope that by then the remaining 25,000 to 30,000 doses will also arrive, allowing us to reach the planned total of 80,000 vaccines,” Klekovski said.