The first batch of vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), 24,000 doses, has been imported into the Republic of Armenia through the COVAX Facility initiative. This was reported by the RA Ministry of Health.
It is intended for vaccinating at-risk groups, particularly healthcare workers, persons aged 65 and older, those with chronic illnesses, residents and staff of elderly care centres, staff of social care centres, on a voluntary basis, against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 was procured within the framework of the COVAX Facility initiative. The AstraZeneca vaccine has received emergency use listing from the World Health Organization (WHO). It is applicable to persons aged 18 and older.
It should be noted that thanks to the efforts and negotiations of the Ministry of Health, it was possible to receive the first batch of the vaccine within the planned timeframes. Armenia is among the exceptional countries that have had the opportunity to obtain the long-awaited vaccine, while a number of countries around the world are still struggling for that right.
It should be noted that the use of the vaccine plays a key role in the process of preventing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The data on the effectiveness and safety of the imported vaccine correspond to the standards set by the WHO. It should be noted that according to the recent announcement (03/25/2021) regarding the third phase of the AstraZeneca clinical trial in the USA, the vaccine provides: prevention of symptomatic COVID-19 with 76% efficacy, prevention of severe or critical cases of the disease and hospitalisation with 100% efficacy, and prevention of symptomatic COVID-19 in persons aged 65 and older with 85% efficacy.
It should be recalled that vaccinations in the Republic of Armenia are carried out exclusively on a voluntary basis.
