Dr. Kenan Arnautović, a world-renowned Sarajevan who worked hard to leave his mark in the world of neurosurgery, received the Pfizer vaccine four days ago in Memphis, Tennessee, where he has lived and worked for years.

No fear

In an interview for "Avaz", Arnautović says that he received hundreds of vaccines in his life, both as a child and as an adult.

- I did not have any different feeling compared to other vaccines with this one. I feel good. I had a slight pain in my arm and a feeling of having a fever, although I didn’t have it. That passed after 24 hours. I work normally now. I can't wait for January 8th, 2021., to receive the second dose, so that I can come to Sarajevo as well - Arnautović points out.

He adds that as soon as he receives the second dose of the vaccine, he will feel safer to travel.

- I hope to be able to come in February. I had no doubts about receiving the vaccine. I could hardly wait for the vaccine to be made official and I tried to be among the first to receive it. I am certainly safer now, because the first vaccine, as they say, gives about 52 percent protection - this Sarajevan points out.

Despite various stories and doubts about the vaccine, Dr. Arnautović says he had no fears.

- I believe in American doctors and scientists. They complied with all testing segments. Vaccination is an individual decision, but I have no doubts - says Dr. Arnautović.

Critical patients

He emphasizes that the situation in Tennessee and Memphis is very difficult when it comes to the coronavirus.

- We have a lot of deaths. The hospital is full of critical patients, we are not doing an elective program at all. Tennessee is currently one of the most affected countries, not only in America, but in the world. It is not easy for us, healthcare workers either. I lost many friends, relatives and family members. I am already tired of such news. I can't wait for all members of my family and friends to be vaccinated and for this plague to end - concludes Dr. Arnautović.

Doctors in B&H are fighting to save as many lives as possible

- As far as I can see, the situation in B&H is as difficult as anywhere else in the world. Almost every day I hear from doctors from Sarajevo and B&H, with friends and colleagues. The situation is difficult, and they are fighting, like all of us, to save as many lives as possible, to get as many people out of the hospital as possible. B&H doctors should be supported and praised, because they are also completely exhausted, both physically and mentally - says Dr. Arnautović.