After receiving the first batch of the AstraZeneca supply, Albania is administering the vaccine to education staff. 41 schools have been called up for the vaccine, but rising concerns in the EU over the vaccine’s safety have led many teachers to say “No” to the jab.
Attending the vaccination process in Durres, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that although several EU member states have suspended the use of the vaccine, many other countries are still continuing it and described the controversy as a “trade war.”
“It is not the people’s fault that they are concerned by all sorts of news and moves that might have 1001 reasons behind. This is a big war for life, but also for trade. Countries such as Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Canada, Belgium have not suspended the rollout because there is no scientific evidence and we can’t just stop the vaccination process over doubts tied to another series”, said the Albanian prime minister.
“Even the countries that have suspended the usage are waiting for a confirmation from WHO and EMA, and when they say “halt”, then we will stop it”, added Rama.
Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu said that the National Vaccination Committee, along with the Immunization Committee, are evaluating the situation for any potential dynamic.
“We are showing prudence. The Vaccination Committee is meeting periodically to evaluate the situation, but we will wait for the decision of the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency”, stressed minister Manastirliu.
So far, Albania has administered 30.000 doses to health care staff, the elderly, and teaching personnel. Albania has received over 80.000 Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines to date.
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