Covid-19: Armenia planning to vaccinate 10-15% of population by year-end

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia is planning to vaccinate 10-15% of the population against the coronavirus by the end of 2021, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan told reporters after a government meeting on Thursday, March 4.

Avanesyan said people at increased risk of severe illness from the virus have already been identified to receive the jabs.

“According to our estimates, 10-15% of the population should be covered when the vaccination program ends by the end of the year, ”Avanesyan said.

She also noted that, depending on the price of vaccines, the government will do everything to expand the number of people getting the shots. In addition to the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, Avanesyan added, a professional council has proposed to purchase AstraZeneca jabs too.

An health official said earlier that the first vaccine against coronavirus to be purchased by Armenia will be Russia's Sputnik V.

In the first stage of vaccination, priority will be given to people aged over 65, those who have underlying health conditions, and medical workers. In the second stage, teachers, educators, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, military personnel, employees of the justice sector and public transport, as well as civil servants will get Covid-19 shots.