Continue to vaccinate: It was announced today (Sunday) that the corona virus vaccination campaign will be expanded and the HMOs will begin summonses for people 55 and older who are in a risk group. National Health Fund CEO Haim Fernandis spoke with Anat Davidov on 103FM on the FM FM program about the operation of the matter, saying that “today we started vaccinating people at risk in a younger age group, we are currently opening it for ages 50 to 60.” He further noted that “we are learning the demand when we open it up to a risk group in a graded manner, and later this week we will study the immunization in this group.”
The queue at the Corona Arena vaccine compound, Jerusalem. Photo: Israel Salem Soup
How are you progressing in the vaccination campaign?
“So far with excellent progress, at a very fast pace. By the end of the week we will be able to sort out about 70-75 percent of the first risk population, and warehouses also insured like health workers, senior caregivers and people from the second risk group – with chronic diseases. And we opened it for ages 50-60. “
Where is your position in front of the hospitals and the Tel Aviv Municipality, which has opened a large center and is cooperating with the HMOs. Do you also cooperate with the matter of Rabin Square?
“It is very important that everyone who can help, vaccinate. As for the hospitals, if there are patients in hospitals not related to Corona, it is stated that the hospital will vaccinate them against Corona, and also its staff. The hospital can help the HMOs if it has an arrangement with the HMOs “What’s not good is that hospitals can do things on their own without coordination with the HMOs. The choice of HMOs so far has proven itself.”
Do you still have excess vaccine doses? Where are you in this story?
“The constraint exists. Immunization positions have waiting lists that allow you to contact policyholders at a discount and see that there is a surplus. The list relies on risk groups, that is, people with chronic but younger illnesses. People come because it is important for them to get vaccinated, but not always. “In an elderly person or with a chronic illness it is much higher than in young people. Patience is needed, in the end everyone who wants to get vaccinated will get vaccinated, there is a priority and it should be taken care of, those with the high risk should be at the forefront.”
Is a national shortage expected?
“We are fed by the Ministry of Health, but everyone who received a first dose will receive a second dose. It should be seen that it is managed properly, and it is important that those who received the first dose will return and receive the second dose.”
Has anyone raised the hypothesis that one dose of vaccine is enough?
“At the medical level, according to everything we are exposed to, it is very important to get the second dose. It gives an extra boost and our immune system produces more antibodies that will help patients if and when they are exposed to the virus. His body will be more prepared for this encounter. “