Minister of Health, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, delivered a statement following the Coronavirus Scientific Committee meeting. Then, Minister Koca received the first coronavirus vaccine granted the emergency use authorization at Ankara City Hospital.
Koca noted that the Scientific Committee's agenda was the vaccination program, and added that 3 million doses of vaccines, which were delivered on December 30-31 in two batches, were transfered to public health warehouses and the 14-day safety trials were kicked off by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK).
Koca said that the safety trials were completed and that these trials were routine for every vaccine received.
"Transparent execution of the vaccination program is our priority"
Minister Koca announced that TITCK granted the emergency use authorization and thanked the personnel and scientists for their unwavering work.
Koca continued,"Tomorrow, we will start vaccinating the healthcare workers. Vaccines have been delivered to public health warehouses in 81 provinces. The public will be able to track the vaccination program on the website. The transparent execution of the vaccination program is our priority.
There are QR codes on each vaccine making it impossible for it to be used on another person outside the one assigned to it. Rest assured that the vaccine will be distributed fairly and we will stick to the order of priority set by the Scientific Committee."
"Today is the first day of a new era"
Noting that vaccinating political leaders would set an example and motivate the public, Koca said,"Today is the first day of a new period where we will put an end to the devastating effects of a global pandemic that has worn us down for the past year. For the health and peace of the public, I would like to ask you to support the vaccination program bearing in mind the importance of this day."
Fahrettin Koca receives the first coronavirus vaccine
Minister Koca received the first coronavirus vaccine was granted the emergency use authorization at Ankara City Hospital.
Noting that the light at the end of the tunnel was visible with the start of vaccination all around the world, Koca continued, "I believe that the days ahead are bright. I am hoping for this to lead to fruitful outcomes for our country and nation."
Koca underlined that everyone should get vaccinated, and said, "Because vaccination is one of the most important ways of protection against this disease. We need to get vaccinated if we want to go back to our lives as before."
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