Nearly 25,000 residents of North Macedonia have registered for the flu vaccine

Data from the “Moj Termin” system show that around 25,000 people have registered to receive the seasonal flu vaccine so far.

Vaccinations are expected to begin on Wednesday, October 21, with priority given to people in the highest-risk groups. The first 30,000 doses have arrived in the country, and health institutions are preparing for the immunization campaign.

The Ministry of Health says the vaccine is trivalent and manufactured by a South Korean company. Certificates from the manufacturer and a reference laboratory have been obtained to confirm quality control. The first doses were secured through a loan as part of international cooperation with neighboring countries, specifically through UNICEF and Albania.

A further shipment of 26,000 doses from the company “Sanofi” is expected to arrive by November 15. Meanwhile, talks are underway to secure another 24,000 vaccines, with the goal of reaching the planned total of 80,000 doses.

The Immunization Commission will determine which categories receive priority, while the vaccines will be distributed through health institutions and public health centers.

Health authorities also say a new shipment of BCG vaccines for newborns is expected. As announced earlier, vaccines from a Japanese manufacturer are being secured through an agreement with UNICEF, in quantities sufficient to meet needs for one year. Once they arrive, they will be sent to maternity hospitals and outpatient clinics.

The previous BCG vaccines were temporarily suspended as a precaution after Croatia decided to stop using the product made by the same manufacturer.