site.btaVaccination Process against COVID-19 Begins in Bulgaria

December 27 (BTA) - Vaccination against COVID-19 in
Bulgaria started on Sunday in the cities of Sofia, Plovdiv and
Bourgas. Health Minister Kostadin Angelov was the first
Bulgarian to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the capital's St.
 Anna Hospital. In Plovdiv, the first to be vaccinated was Dr.
Ivan Madzharov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Association.

''I believe that we will overcome COVID-19, I can't wait to see
my 70-year-old father without worrying,'' said the Minister of
Health after the vaccination.

Angelov commented on social media criticism concerning the fact
that the vaccines in Sofia were transported via a food chain
truck, stressing that a focus in ''in that direction is not
acceptable" and explaining that the use of private companies for
 these purposes is a common practice in other countries. The
Health Minister added that he expects other Bulgarian producers
to also help with the logistics, which will surely be needed in
the near future.

Angelov explained that the requirement in choosing transport
means was for the company to be able to provide the required
temperature regime, and for temperatures in the vehicle to be
traced during the whole route and confirmed via thermograph.

'Before taking the vaccine against COVID-19, it is not necessary
 to do a quick test, because a doctor's examination is conducted
 beforehand, explained Minister Angelov. He said that the
vaccination of those who have already had the infection and have
 antibodies in their system would not be harmful. After the
first dose of the vaccine, a protective mask should still be
worn and social contacts should be limited, said Minister
Angelov in response to a question whether there is still a risk
of infection after the first dose. After the second dose of
vaccine and the production of antibodies, the person  will
become immune, and in the event of an encounter with the virus,
the antibodies should destroy it, Angelov added.

The head of the Military Medical Academy, Major General Prof.
Ventsislav Moutafchiiski, who was among the first to be
vaccinated, commented: "We are at war, but our weapon has
arrived. It will save us and give us back the ability to hug and
 kiss our children and relatives," he added. RY/DT

/DT/