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Poland starts vaccinating over-70s against COVID-19

25.01.2021 07:40
Poland on Monday started vaccinating people aged 70 and over against the coronavirus as the country moves to the next phase of its national inoculation programme.
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  • Poland starts vaccinating over-70s against COVID-19
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Photo: EPA/Tibor Rosta

The prime minister's top aide, Michał Dworczyk, who is spearheading the drive, has said that all slots for those who want a COVID-19 shot have been booked until the end of March.

He told reporters that under a deal negotiated by the European Commission with vaccine producers, Poland was in line to receive supplies that would allow 3.1 million citizens to inoculated by the end of the first quarter.

"And today we already have more than 3 million people … registered [for shots] or in the process of vaccination," he added.

Appeal to OAPs

Dworczyk appealed to pensioners who have not yet signed up to stay at home on Monday rather than heading to doctors’ surgeries in order to register.

He urged OAPs who wanted shots to leave their details on a special website, a hotline or via text message. They would be informed when vaccinations slots became available, he told reporters.

Poland on Sunday reported 4,683 new coronavirus infections and 110 more deaths, bringing its total number of cases to 1,475,445 and fatalities to 35,363.

Frontline healthcare workers were first to be inoculated in Poland. Next in line are the elderly, people with chronic health conditions, teachers, police and soldiers.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced last month that his government had secured vaccines for the Polish population from six leading international drug makers.

Citizens over 80 have been able to sign up for COVID-19 shots since January 15. Last Friday, registration opened to those in the 70+ age group.

(pk/gs)

Source: PAP

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