Djerlek says 4th vaccine dose is talked about: "I believe coronavirus story will be over in 2022"

Photo: Tanjug/AP

State Secretary at the Ministry of Health Mirsad Djerlek says that the issue administering the fourth dose of the Covid vaccine in Serbia is already being discussed, because the effectiveness of vaccines is declining with the appearance of new strains. He also said that he believes that in 2022, the story with coronavirus will be over.

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"Regardless of the fact that we haven't succeeded in convincing more citizens to get the first and second doses, that doesn't mean that we didn't do a good thing with the third dose and that we shouldn't continue like that. It's obvious that we need the fourth dose," Djerlek told Blic.

At this moment, he stressed, the Committee for Immunization, as the most professional body in Serbia composed of top virology, immunology, and epidemiology experts, is considering that possibility.

"We see that Israel has already started administering the fourth dose to people over 60 who have great comorbidities, and probably in our country as well, depending on the epidemiological situation, the National Committee will make the best decision," explained Dr. Djerlek.

When it comes to the fourth dose, that is still being considered at this time, he said and added that nothing has been decided yet, but it is certainly discussed and considered a lot in order to make the right decision that will take effect at the right time.

"Precisely because each new strain reduces the effectiveness of the vaccines, something we have been warning about, booster doses are needed. What's important is that existing vaccines are still responding well to new strains, and we must appeal on people to get vaccinated as much as possible. The booster is necessary," he added.

Djerlek stressed that he has strong faith in Serbian experts and that he thinks that the National Committee will decide on the exact timing of the start of vaccination with the fourth dose, as well as what population groups that will include.

"I also believe that in 2022 we will be able to finish the story with coronavirus," concluded Dr. Djerlek.

(Telegraf.rs)