Syla: Kosovo's vaccines are safe and efficient

Kosovo has removed more than 1335,000 AstraZeneca vaccines, which have expired. Not taking this vaccine, says Syla in an interview with Radio Free Europe, was influenced by many factors, but claims against this vaccine were not based on fact, according to Syla.

In this interview, he also speaks of the Delta variant, which is the dominant version in Kosovo. He says that because of this version, the epidemiological situation in Kosovo is very critical and is a challenge to the health system.

REL: Mr. Syla, in Kosovo every day there are almost more than 20 deaths of citizens infected with coronary and reportedly affected by the Delta version. How do you see the situation?

Skender Syla: The presence of the Delta version and the rapid spread of this option presents a very delicate situation, even for countries with a high degree of vaccination. We have, by the way, now in Israel, an exponential increase in cases, and in other countries. Also in Kosovo, I must present a challenge before all to the health system.

But what's more serious is that it takes lives, even though we're referring to the vaccine as one of the key elements in the struggle against this pandemic, we for no moment as long as the coronary and the pandemic are present, should not forget the other masses of public health, the individual, the carrying of the mask, the avoidance of public space, the cleaning of hands, and the respect of all measures recommended by the authorities.

The situation is very critical and it requires commitment by all of us, first of us as citizens, but even all institutions, so that the consequences will be a little relief, because at this stage, we've seen an essential increase in cases and when we have a large number of infected cases, there's definitely a number of them have to need hospital treatment, it's going to be difficult and unfortunately a number are going to get fat.

REL: What would be the decisions of institutions to eventually reduce cases of people affected by the virus?

Skender Syla: What needs to be done is monitor all the necessary measures and, of course, the key role still has the individual. The cop can monitor on the street, but the cop can't monitor us if we go to the family and get together.

Those family gatherings may present a very high risk and spread the virus further. So we have to be strict about avoiding minor dating in order to cut the spread chain of the virus.

REL: The Health Ministry removed over 130 thousand doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to the deadline's expiration. Why do you think that happened?

Skender Syla: The main element in the vaccine program to be efficient is safety, efficiency and the quality of vaccines. It is a disaster that has happened that had to eliminate a considerable number of doses, where more than 60 thousand citizens could be vaccinated, but it also happens in other countries.

This too was because at first, an perception of the unequivocal AstraZeneca vaccine was created. And here unfortunately, some were influenced by health professionals who weren't vaccinated, but there were also positive examples, so Professor Lul Raka was vaccinated with AstraZenecen, to give a clear message to all health professionals, but public opinion, but that's what happened and these vaccines will not be used.

Fortunately there will be other doses of vaccines, and I recommend to Kosovo citizens, regardless of whether AstraZeneca or other vaccines which are already approved by O BSH and the European Agency for Barna. They should be taken at the first moment when the opportunity is given because they are safe, efficient, and high-quality.

REL: In the cities of Kosovo, citizens in almost one country have access to vaccinate, while in other countries, vaccines are also offered in malls. Where do you think the obstacles in this regard are?

Skender Syla: Although Kosovo has started last with the immunization programme to COVID-19, compared to other countries in the surrounding European region and states, I think it is moving with very confident steps and is making quite sure progress and is making progress in the number of people who are vaccinated. And if you continue with this trend, I believe that the limits of the vaccination program will be achieved by the end of the year.

However, what is important should be careful not to be exposed to other people because the safety of vaccines is only two weeks after taking the second dose. Because it may be that vaccines are missed if the person who has just received the vaccine is exposed on a daily basis and that is a very important element.

As far as logistics is concerned, it is determined by local authorities depending on capacity, because vaccines should have another security, the vaccinated person should be monitored 15 minutes after taking the vaccine, because there may be side effects. They are very rare, but help is offered at the site of the vaccine. However, the logistical aspects of each country define according to capacity, and I'm still saying that the current trend of vaccine is good in Kosovo.

REL: In Kosovo, there are times when even pregnant women have been reinfected with the version Delta. Why is it happening?

Skender Syla: Reinfectation can occur in other countries, and it must be analyzed. For this reason, the recommendation is that even pregnant women should be vaccinated as soon as possible because they present a sensitive category. So the best way to prevent is to vaccinate. Why are these reinfectations happening? This is a virus that can even in the future show new options, so O The U.S. is investigating all these variants and based on scientific evidence, it will recommend the actions that should be taken. The main message, however, is that pregnant women should be vaccinated into their first opportunity.