Health Minister Venko Filipche said Thursday two vaccination mechanisms are in place, and nearly 70 percent of the healthcare workers are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

“One is the system for healthcare workers which contains accurate and precise surveys on interest in vaccination. Nearly 70 percent of the healthcare workers have said they are interested in getting the vaccine, and they will be the first to get it. Next are seniors aged 70 and above. According to data on chronic diseases, a list is created to inform family physicians, who then need to notify their patients, ask them if they are ready to get the vaccine, and enter data via the MyAppointment system,” Filipche told TV21 on Thursday.

Filipche added he had met with the president of the association of family physicians, who pointed to the workload of family physicians.

“However, readiness was expressed to point out that the role of family physicians in the process is very important,” Filipche said, adding that in part of their work, family physicians also deal with administrative work.

Asked why family physicians are included in the system, the Health Minister said that before administering the vaccine, patients need to have their current health condition checked with their medical history record considered, and this can only be done by family physicians.