Armenia to Acquire AstraZeneca Vaccine for 3% of Population

The "National Advisory Committee on Immunization" held its latest session, during which the priorities for vaccination risk groups against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were discussed, as well as opportunities and proposals for acquiring COVID-19 vaccines during the second window of the "COVAX FACILITY" initiative. In addition to committee members, scientists from medical educational and research organizations and recognized specialists participated in the session.

The committee examined the determination of vaccination priorities for COVID-19 risk groups, taking into account the principles applied in different countries and the epidemiological patterns of the disease.

Summarizing the opinions of committee members and invited experts, the committee proposed implementing vaccinations against COVID-19 in phases, establishing the following priority for risk groups:

• In the first phase, residents and staff of nursing homes, healthcare workers, social care center employees, individuals aged 65 and older, and 16 to 64-year-old individuals with chronic illnesses will be vaccinated.
• Depending on the epidemic situation and vaccine availability, in the next phase, vaccinations will target lecturers, teachers, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, military personnel, justice sector employees, public transport workers, and civil servants.

The committee also discussed the possibility of acquiring the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 offered during the second window of the "COVAX FACILITY" initiative. It was decided not to reject the acquisition of the AstraZeneca vaccine intended for 3% of the population, considering its early availability (March 2021) and cost-effectiveness.

It should be noted that the COVID-19 vaccine from the UK’s AstraZeneca has met the safety and efficacy requirements throughout all phases of clinical trials and has received emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization.