Preparations for the second vaccination stage
Romania prepares second stage in the anti-coronavirus vaccination campaign
Eugen Coroianu, 11.01.2021, 14:00
The Romanian authorities are preparing the second stage of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, in keeping with the National Strategy. It will start after January 15 and will cover the population at risk: adults over the age of 65 and people with chronic diseases, regardless of age, depending on the indications of the vaccines used. It also targets people working in key areas.
Until then, the first stage continues, in which employees in the health and social fields are immunised. Doctors, nurses and orderlies could be paid extra if they participate in the vaccination campaign, the Minister of Health, Vlad Voiculescu, has announced and an emergency government ordinance is being developed to this end. He has explained that this is Romanias biggest challenge, and people need to be motivated to get involved. “We rely on family doctors to inform their registered patients, to enrol them in the scheduling platform and then to monitor any other needs. There will be an amount for success, the goal is vaccination”, the official added.
Vlad Voiculescu promised that the scheduling platform for the second stage will be much improved and much easier to use. There will also be a call centre with a unique number and a team will be set up at the level of the Ministry of Health to combat misinformation. The relevant minister has reiterated that vaccination against COVID-19 is safe, effective and the only chance to return to normal.
The Romanian Academy of Scientists has announced that it supports the National Vaccination Campaign and will organise a series of online events on the pandemic and measures to combat it, focusing on the need for large-scale vaccination of the population. Also, the Romanian Orthodox Church has made public the fact that it will promote in its dioceses the medical information regarding the coronavirus vaccines. The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Daniel, sent a letter in the territory with an informative brochure entitled “Vaccination against COVID-19 in Romania. Free. Voluntary. Safe!”.According to the letter, priests and clerical staff who carry out high-risk activities are included in the second stage of vaccination, as the spokesperson for the Patriarchate told the public television station.
On the other hand, the Association of Romanian Municipalities asked the Ministry of Health to provide financial resources for the organisation, equipping and rendering operational the anti-COVID vaccination centres, as well as for the payment of medical and auxiliary staff working in them. Mayors are dissatisfied with the fact that the draft Emergency Ordinance initiated by the ministry stipulates that these funds should be provided from the local budgets. (M. Ignatescu)
