Skopje, 11 March 2024 (MIA) - Caretaker Health Minister Ilir Demiri said Monday that increased vaccination controls will take place in kindergartens nationwide, not only in Skopje, in order to check if there are any children children who are not fully vaccinated against the whooping cough (pertussis).  

"We organized this two weeks ago. This is my third week as Minister of Health. We should keep that in mind. As I took office, I immediately saw to it that increased controls take place not only on the territory of Skopje, where an epidemic has been declared, but at a state level as well. I will do everything I can to make sure that those who are not vaccinated will get vaccinated. Kindergarten admission will also be banned in other cities for children who have not been fully vaccinated. Such an order is signed," Demiri said in response to a reporter's question on whether the measures are overdue in terms of extraordinary inspections by the State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate in kindergartens, over issuing bans for kindergarten admission of children who are not fully vaccinated against the whooping cough.

Demiri noted he had previously made public statements that bans should be issued for kindergarten admission of children who are not fully vaccinated. He urged for raising awareness about the importance of vaccination. 

Given that the State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate is launching the extraordinary inspections as of today, Demiri was asked if he has any information on how many bans have been issued so far, to which he said he has no information.  

Asked about young doctors who are required to complete a paid internship, Demiri said the Ministry has requested to have the number of vaccination sites increased, so that young doctors can be engaged and complete the internship, while vaccination rates are also increased.

Photo and video: MIA