Bulgaria: Opening of Additional Vaccination Slots Gave Amazing Effect, 16,000 Inoculated over Weekend

During the weekend, from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, 1,950 patients were vaccinated with AstraZeneca in Pirogov emergency hospital," Prof. Asen Baltov, director of the medical institution, said at a briefing. By comparison, he pointed out that 4,200 were vaccinated from December 27 to this weekend, with 1,250 with a second dose.

The hospital's director said the effect of the opened additional slots, the so-called "green lanes" for vaccination was astounding, with about 16,000 people being inoculated against the coronavirus in two days.

On Friday afternoon, the vaccination of all willing persons started off, regardless of the phase of the National Vaccination Plan in which they fall, queues immediately formed in front of the hospitals in Sofia and other cities. Already on Saturday, a "green corridor" was provided at Pirogov emergency hospital for all citizens who wished to be immunized against COVID-19. On the territory of the medical institution are five vaccination sites.

Vaccination today will continue throughout the day as long as there are people waiting, Prof. Baltov promised.

"Today after 1 p.m. we have the opportunity to open the "green lanes" at five vaccination sites in Pirogov for anyone who wants to be able to receive the Oxford vaccine. As long as there are people, we'll vaccinate. We usually work until 5:30 p.m., but if necessary, the time can be extended. People will not be turned down," Prof. Baltov added.

"During the vaccination day in "Pirogov", there was no case of a severe allergic reaction that required to refer the patient to the toxicological clinic or an emergency toxicological office", explained the Director of "Pirogov".

There were complaints of fever, but this was temporary, with the...