Sofia, May 10 (BTA) - Persons deprived of their liberty, people
accommodated at refugee centres and other vulnerable population
groups that are exposed to a high risk of infection due to their
 living conditions and lifestyle, who fall under Phase Five of
the National Vaccination Plan, are next in line for inoculation
against COVID-19, Bulgaria's Chief State Health Inspector Angel
Kounchev told journalists here on Monday after a meeting of the
National Vaccination Task Force.
 
Vaccination is available at general practitioners, at the
vaccination centres, and appointment-free at medical-treatment
facilities, Dr Kounchev said. The system through which GPs will
be able to order the quantity of vaccines they need and to be
informed of the day and time when they can get them is expected
to become operational on May 17, he added.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine's summary of product characteristics
 is likely be changed after May 20, allowing for the vaccine to
be stored up to four weeks in a refrigerator, which will
facilitate general practitioners, the Chief Health State
Inspector said. In his words, at a later stage the vaccine vials
 are expected to start arriving diluted and ready for
administration. "Things with the Pfizer vaccine have progressed
significantly, as well as with Moderna's, which might be given
to children aged 12 or older. Clinical trials for their use in
children over six are in progress," he added.

Kounchev voiced concern about the increased number of
hospitalizations following the past ten non-working days. "A
large part of the epidemic-control measures depend on the
epidemic situation, and the epidemic emergency may have to be
extended in the future," he said. NV/MY