Communication with patients about COVID-19 vaccination

The COVID-19 pandemic has been part of the day-to-day lives of all Bulgarian citizens for nearly two years now. Despite the great efforts doctors are making to control the consequences of it, Bulgaria lags significantly behind other EU countries in terms of vaccination coverage against the new coronavirus.

In this regard, the Astra Forum Foundation, the Ministry of Health, the regional health inspectorates in the country, as well as an alliance of international and non-governmental organizations, incl. The Representation in Bulgaria of the World Health Organization and UNICEF, the Center for Analysis and Crisis Communications, etc., launched a series of professional discussions with general practitioners to aid non-emergency healthcare professionals in communicating the science of the COVID-19 vaccines with patients that show distrust and doubt.

The discussions will look for practical benefits and exchange of experience, will present a concept for communication with patients who are hesitant to get vaccinated, as well as information on the duration of immunity after infection and vaccination, indications and contraindications for immunization, incl. for patients with comorbidities that sometimes cause the patient’s hesitation and fears.

Any general practitioner wishing to take part in one of the discussions should send an e-mail to: seminari@astraforumfoundation.org

Including three names, a UIN and a contact telephone number, after which they will receive a confirmation of participation.

The first discussion will be held on February 1, 2022 (Tuesday) from 15:00 to 17:00 in Sofia, 12 Bratya Miladinovi Str., The Steps (discussion hall). Moderators will be Prof. Radostina Alexandrova from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Dr. Hristiana Batselova from the Medical University of Plovdiv.

Similar discussions will be held throughout the country, and information on specific dates and venues will be disclosed soon.