Romania begins COVID vaccination blitz

A three-day "vaccination marathon" has started in Romania's capital of Bucharest as authorities race to inoculate the nation of more than 19 million against COVID-19.

The round-the-clock event is supported by about 1200 volunteers, including Valeriu Gheorghita, a military doctor and chief of the country's vaccination committee, who administered Pfizer shots at the launch on Friday.

The "marathon" is held at the capital's Palace Hall, and the National Library, and it will host a series of live musical performances, including one by prominent violinist Alexandru Tomescu on Sunday.

Other vaccination marathons have been organised in cities across the country.

On Saturday, all vaccination centres will be appointment-free after 2pm.

So far, Romana has administered more than 5.6 million vaccine doses.