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Currently, the flu vaccine is almost impossible to find anywhere in the pharmacy network. This year’s interest turns out to be higher than the amounts delivered so far.
Free vaccinations for the elderly, to be administered by GPs, are still pending.
In just over a week, more than 80,000 flu vaccines were purchased from the pharmacy network. These are all quantities delivered so far.
“They disappeared many times faster than before. Some pharmacies could not provide vaccines at all, they sold out so quickly,” said Nikolai Kostov, president of the Association of Pharmacy Owners.
Many of the vaccines are purchased by companies for their employees – 200 to 300 units at a time. Ruse’s pharmacy has not received vaccines for several days and they do not know when there will be a new delivery.
Between 2 and 3% of Bulgarians were vaccinated last year. Interest in vaccines this year is incomparably greater. According to the Ministry of Health, 340,000 influenza vaccines will be delivered, which will be distributed among pharmacies and the free vaccination program for the elderly. 20,000 more doses are provided for free sale compared to 2019. The number of free vaccines for people 65 and older has increased by 60,000. However, like last year, doctors will have to choose who to vaccinate.
According to doctors, there is an effect of the program.
The remaining 70,000 doses are expected to be delivered to pharmacies in mid-October.
It is possible for a person to be infected with both viruses at the same time, according to virologist Prof. Argirova. “There are also some signs that differentiate the flu from the coronavirus, for example, it happens suddenly, quickly. No more than 24 to 48 hours after contact with an infected person,” she said.
The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. However, the mask reduces the chance of getting infected with both viruses.
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