Skopje, 18 August 2021 (MIA) — A third vaccine dose against Covid-19 is recommended for immunocompromised people, transplant recipients and patients on chronic dialysis in particular, and they can receive a different vaccine for their booster shot, Health Minister Venko Filipche told Kanal 5 television on Wednesday. Minister Filipche said the health care system was ready to face the new Covid-19 wave, adding he would be discussing the details at a meeting with all hospital directors. He highlighted that the delta variant was the dominant coronavirus strain in the country. “Of the 50 cases sampled in recent days, the delta strain accounted for two-thirds, and the British variant for one-third of the cases,” Filipche said. Asked whether the surge of new infections might cause a reversal of the government’s decision to reopen schools fully for in-person learning, the health minister said exceptions would be made for students with chronic diseases or whose family members had chronic diseases. Also, he noted, parents could opt to keep their children out of school for other, non-medical reasons, with the school’s permission. “What's important to note,” he said, “is that if the epidemiological situation deteriorates at any point, we will recommend schools activate the other two instruction options. “Whether it be hybrid or online-only will depend on the epidemiological risk.” “For now,” he added, “we recommend students start school in person.” mr/