Turkey grants emergency approval for China's vaccine as health minister vaccinated on live TV

Photo: AA

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Turkey will begin vaccinating all health personnel against the novel coronavirus starting tomorrow (January 14) as the Health Ministry has granted emergency approval for China's CoronaVac.

"It's our top priority to run the vaccination program in a transparent manner," said Health Minister Fahrettin Koca prior to becoming the first person in the country who officially received the vaccine.

As his vaccination was broadcast on live television, Koca encouraged all citizens to receive the vaccine.

The members of Turkey's Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Committee that have not contracted the disease yet, would soon receive the vaccine, Koca said.

Speaking after a meeting of the committee in the capital Ankara, he explained that by getting vaccinated, senior officials would be "setting an example" for the public to follow suit.

Each individual will be assigned vaccine doses by name with a barcode, Koca added, saying: "We're determined to apply the vaccine and comply with measures and restrictions until the pandemic comes to an end."

Later, Koca became the first person in Turkey to receive the recently delivered Chinese Covid-19 vaccine CoronaVac. "I want to underline that everyone must be vaccinated. We must definitely get the vaccine to return to our normal daily lives."

"I said earlier that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Today is such a day. I believe the coming days will be bright," he added.

Bugün Bilim Kurulu Üyelerimizle birlikte, Koronavirüs aşısının Acil Kullanım Onayı sonrası ilk uygulanan sağlık çalışanları olduk. Tüm sağlık çalışanlarımız için süreç başladı. Hayırlı uğurlu olsun. pic.twitter.com/K1cPxMt3SE

— Dr. Fahrettin Koca (@drfahrettinkoca) January 13, 2021

Earlier, the ministry announced that vaccinations in the country will be a four-step procedure.

In the first step, health care workers, people aged 65 and above, and adults living in crowded places such as shelters will be vaccinated.

In the next step, essential workers, people above 50 years of age and those with at least one chronic disease will be vaccinated.

In the third phase, people under 50 with at least one chronic disease, young adults and those who have jobs will be vaccinated.

In the final phase, all the remaining individuals will be vaccinated. (EKN/VK)