Semmelweis University staff administered an average of 1,000 vaccines per day in recent weeks, therefore the number of people vaccinated against coronavirus at the institution’s vaccination points until 28 July, 2021 has exceeded 350,000. Currently, those who have a scheduled appointment for the vaccination are awaited at the university every day.
Semmelweis University was among the first institutions in the country to begin vaccination against coronavirus on 26 December, 2020. Since then, the university employees have been working every day at the vaccination points, even on weekends and on holidays. Semmelweis University staff members have administered an average of 1,000 shots per day in recent weeks, therefore the number of people vaccinated against coronavirus at the institution’s vaccination points until 28 July, 2021 has exceeded 350,000.
“The vaccination of expectant mothers was first started by the university: so far 5,911 pregnant women and 7,050 breastfeeding mothers have been vaccinated at the institution. Semmelweis University also plays a significant role in vaccinating children between 12-15 years and also between 16-18 years. As far as the former age group is concerned, 7,287 of them have received the vaccine, and regarding the latter, the number of shots administered is 4,382”, said Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector.
He also added that Semmelweis University is one of the largest vaccination centers in Hungary with continuous operation even after the mass vaccination campaign. As the Rector highlighted, the aim is to have as many people vaccinated as possible. He drew attention to the importance of receiving both shots, since adequate protection may be provided by the administration of both doses of the two-dose vaccines.
“Currently, three vaccination points are operated by the university: at the Heart and Vascular Center, at the Szent Rókus Clinical Block and at the 1st Department of Pediatrics. In recent weeks, Semmelweis University has also taken over the work of other smaller vaccination points in and around Budapest. Therefore, it may occur that the university administers the second vaccine shot to some people who received the first jab at an external location”, highlighted Dr. Attila Szabó, President of the Clinical Center, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs.
As he pointed out, all vaccine types approved in Hungary have been used at the university, and the administration has been carried out in varying amounts. No serious complications were detected in any of the cases in any of the age groups.
The Vice-Rector also emphasized that university students have been involved in the work of vaccination points from the very first moment. In addition, they will soon be providing support for GPs in reaching out to citizens over the age of 65 who have not been vaccinated yet. The Vice-Rector considers the vaccination of people between 12-15 years and 16-18 years of utmost importance in order to provide protection for as many as possible by the start of the school year.
Pálma Dobozi
Featured image (illustration): Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Katalin Illés-Romhányi
