Secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Tatiana Zatyk said the first two days of the COVID-19 immunization campaign were successful as 2,604 doctors were already vaccinated and this means fewer infections and more doctors on duty for containing the pandemic. The unwillingness of some of the health professionals to be vaccinated is normal, but the doctors by their example will influence the success or failure of the immunization campaign among the general population, IPN reports.
The vaccination campaign started two days ago with frontline health workers. The doctors of reanimatology, intensive-care and anesthesiology units are immunized the first. A number of 2,604 persons were vaccinated meanwhile.
“It’s too early to speak about the doctor’s resistance as they can change their opinion in the meantime. It’s clear that any change meets with opposition first, but health is key. The health workers are those who will give an example to the entire population. They are those who realize the importance of vaccination the best,” Tatiana Zatyk stated in the talk show “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.
The AstraZeneca vaccines donated by Romania to Moldova are now being used in the vaccination process. Another 14,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines donated to Moldova through the COVAX platform are to be delivered to Chisinau today. Tatiana Zatyk said the Pfizer vaccines will be shipped to Moldova through the same platform in the second half of March.
“We are to receive 24,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines through COVAX and are waiting for them. We were told that problems are being encountered in the delivery process. In the communication with COVAX, we every time presented information showing that the country is ready to ensure the transportation and administration of this vaccine,” stated Tatiana Zatyk.
As to the access of the Sputnik V vaccine to Moldova, the official said the National Consultative Committee of Immunization Experts recommends using also other types of vaccines that were authorized in the country of origin, but are yet being assessed by the WHO, including the Sputnik V vaccine.
“The epidemiological situation is serious. The number of infections is on the rise. The situation makes us obtain efficient vaccines and also accessible vaccines. At this stage, it is important to ensure the presence of all the types of vaccines,” said Tatiana Zatyk.
The national immunization plan in Moldova consists of three stages. The first stage covers the health workers and employees and beneficiaries of social services, the second - the persons older than 60 and those with comorbidies, while the third - the general population, regardless of age.
