FBiH preparing to introduce third dose of vaccine

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The House of Peoples of the Parliament of FBiH today considered information on the current epidemiological situation. Mia Blažević, from the Epidemiological Service of the Federal Public Health Institute, stated at the session, speaking about the current COVID-19 situation, that there has been an increase in new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in the last two weeks.

- We have 162,945 confirmed cases, 6,451 deaths. Three cantons are leading in seven-day incidence: Canton Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Herzegovina-Neretva. These three cantons also conduct the most tests, while others conduct fewer, which affects the numbers of confirmed cases. In FBiH, we currently have 518 people hospitalized, 54 on ventilators, and 54 who were fully vaccinated are in the hospital. This means that the proportion of fully vaccinated individuals among all hospitalized persons is 10.4 percent, which supports the claim that vaccination protects against illness. So far, 475,347 people have been vaccinated with one dose, which is 26.5 percent of the FBiH population. 23.2 percent have been vaccinated with two doses. We all see that this is still a very low coverage, however, we are pleased that we have noticed in the last two weeks that the number of people interested in vaccination is indeed increasing - said Blažević and added:

- Previously, 3,000 to 5,000 people were vaccinated per week, and in the last two weeks, it has been around 10,000, and we believe this number will continue to grow in the future. We see that European countries are having major problems with the coronavirus.

Delegate Aner Žuljević asked the responsible persons if we know the number of infected people, given that people are not being tested enough for coronavirus.

- The situation with coronavirus in Serbia and Croatia is dramatic. Is our situation better, or are we not testing? In my circle, there are 50 people with coronavirus symptoms who have not been tested. They stay home for two days until their fever subsides and then go to work. I fear that in a month, due to irresponsibility, we will find ourselves in a situation where we don't have beds to accommodate people, and we had posters at Jahorina saying it was the best winter season ever. I fear that there will be drama in early January. And what about COVID certificates, and if a person is revaccinated but gets coronavirus, will they be in isolation for 12 days or less? Some say it's five days - said Žuljević.

Delegate Zvonko Marić asked what about the third dose of the vaccine, which is widely administered to citizens worldwide.

- I noticed that Blažević spoke about the first and second vaccines. The third dose is being widely administered globally; does the Crisis Staff of the Federal Ministry have a stance on this, what about it - asked Marić.

Blažević said that the Expert Advisory Body has already approved the third dose for hemodialysis patients.

- Tomorrow, there is a meeting of the Expert Advisory Body where the third dose will be considered; it will likely be introduced - said Blažević.