The plan for the introduction, implementation and monitoring of COVID-19 vaccination in Croatia, adopted by the government on Wednesday, aims to reduce mortality and ensure better health for citizens, preserve the functioning of society and reduce health, social and economic disparities.

Health Minister Vili Beros said that the role of vaccination in curbing the COVID-19 epidemic would be irreplaceable.

“An available, safe and effective vaccine will have a central role in saving lives, protecting the health system, accelerating economic activities and normalising the functioning of the education system and social interaction between people,” Beros said.

The plan strategically aims to achieve maximum availability of the vaccine for all groups of the population, and its purpose is to carry out COVID-19 vaccination in a coordinated and controlled way, with safe and effective vaccines after they have been officially approved by the European Medicines Agency, the health minister said.

The ultimate goal of the plan is to ensure the best possible response to the challenges of the pandemic, he added.

According to the vaccination plan, the first to receive the vaccine will be those who need it the most — beneficiaries of retirement and nursing homes, workers in the social welfare system and health workers most exposed to the virus, followed by other citizens — from the elderly and those most at risk to the youngest.

In Croatia, vaccination will begin on December 27. So far 5.9 million doses of the vaccine have been ordered, and it will be administered in two shots. The vaccination will be free and on a voluntary basis, and the money has been provided in the budget.

A public awareness campaign will also be launched inviting people to get vaccinated, and members of the government have today worn a badge with the message “Think of others, get vaccinated!”.