- The stage at which the most challenging task was the availability of vaccines is over – said Michał Dworczyk, Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister at a press conference dedicated to vaccination against COVID-19. – Now, we have to convince the Poles that they should be vaccinated.

National promotion of vaccination

Minister Dworczyk presented the most important solutions aimed at promoting vaccination. As from 1 July, it is possible to be vaccinated with a second dose at any point, regardless of the point where the first dose was taken. Seniors from the 70+ age group will be contacted directly with the proposal to be vaccinated at home. As from 15 June, mobile vaccination points will operate during all major local events. Also, the National Vaccination Programme Lottery with attractive prizes will be launched.

Vaccination of persons with disabilities

– In the first half of May, when the availability of vaccines increased significantly, we decided to extend the priority group of the National Vaccination Programme and accelerate the vaccination process for persons with disabilities. As a result, most of them, as well as their families and employees of centres of care and activity of persons with disabilities, are already vaccinated if they only declared their willingness to do so-said Minister Marlena Maląg.

In addition, as from 25 May, also persons with a moderate disability certificate and their carers have also been included in the group of persons who may be vaccinated on a priority basis. Mobile Vaccination Units are also involved in the vaccination process of persons with disabilities, therefore, it is also possible to vaccinate patients at their homes. According to the adopted schedule, vaccination of persons with disabilities should end by mid-June.

– So far, the greatest interest in vaccination is seen in Homes of Mutual Aid for Persons with Disabilities. Here, almost 45% of persons reported their willingness to vaccinate, and almost 70% of them have already been vaccinated, with almost 40% already vaccinated with two doses – explained Minister Maląg. So far, one third of all participants in the Occupational Therapy Workshops expressed their willingness to vaccinate and almost all of them have been vaccinated. All willing persons have been vaccinated in the Vocational Activity Establishments.

And of seniors

- We continue to care for the elderly – said Minister Maląg. – We reach them, inter alia, through Senior+ Centres and Clubs. The residents and employees of Nursing Homes and Social Welfare Centres were included in the first group of vaccinated persons.

The Solidarity Senior Support Corps is also involved in promoting and facilitating vaccination. Piotr Mazurek, the Government Plenipotentiary for Youth Policy, talked about its tasks.