Coronavirus: the plan for vaccinations

A specific number of citizens per Health Unit, the operational plan for vaccinating citizens against the outbreak includes scheduling appointments and establishing a priority order COVID-19 of the virus SARS-CoV-2. Vaccinations will take place at Health centres and in Local Health Units (TOMY).

However, a necessary prerequisite for implementing the above is the purchase of the freezers required to store the vaccine,  since at least one of the vaccines expected to arrive in our country must be stored at -70°C.

The number of vaccination centers nationwide has already been determined by the Ministry of Health and was planned based on population criteria. The specific health facilities that will shoulder the burden of this entire undertaking are already in the process of restructuring and adapting to the new circumstances, both in terms of personnel and equipment.

The vaccine freezing process

The Health Regions Across the country, authorities are on “high alert” regarding the critical issue of preserving vaccine doses, as the protocols for transporting and storing the Pfizer vaccine require it to be transported in special coolers filled with dry ice and stored at -70°C, which makes it impossible to keep it in pharmacies. That is why all Commanders and Deputy Commanders of the Regional Police Departments have recorded the refrigerators and freezers available at the Units (Note: regarding the storage of medications), so that the necessary equipment can be ordered.

How Will We Get Vaccinated?

Vaccinations will be administered using healthcare visitors, nurses, and doctors who will oversee the process once the COVID vaccines arrive in our country.

Specifically, the Ministry of Health’s plan calls for vaccinations to be administered as follows:

1. They will take place in Health Centers and TOMY
2. Citizens will go to the local health center them based on the established priorities (healthcare workers and vulnerable groups first)
3. They will be conducted primarily by nurses and healthcare visitors under the supervision of doctor. Each Health Region has already compiled a list of its staff so that, if additional personnel are needed, it can ensured.
4. At Health Centers and Local Health Units that do not have a sufficient number of health visitors, needs will be met with additional nursing staff.
5. The hours which will be set by 8:00 p.m.
6. Vaccinations will be administered in two staff shifts, and at each unit, people will be able to get vaccinated ata specific number of people (42 civilians per shift), so as to avoid overcrowding in the case that there will be a large Interest about the COVID-19 vaccine.
7. Vaccinations will be administered using scheduled appointments, in order to maintain order, while for the time being the authorities They haven't reached a conclusion yet how citizens will be invited. The issue of utilization of AMKA numbers, but so far, a solution is being sought that not to infringe on sensitive personal data.

It is also possible for interested parties to register via online platform, where proof will be required that a person belongs to a so-called vulnerable group.

Our country is expected to receive the initial payments of vaccine the upcoming January.