Vaccination with British AstraZeneca Vaccine Not Mandatory in Armenia

As a result of negotiations to acquire coronavirus vaccines, Armenia will soon obtain the British AstraZeneca vaccine. In a conversation with Armenpress, the Ministry of Health informed that initially, it will be obtained for high-risk groups.

"We have an agreement with the COVAX Facility initiative, they have reached agreements and offered our country the vaccine. Since the price is reasonable and will arrive sooner, we agreed to its procurement. In the first phase, residents and staff of elderly care centers, healthcare workers, staff of social care centers, individuals aged 65 and above, and chronically ill individuals between the ages of 16 and 64 will have the opportunity to be vaccinated," the ministry stated.

Regarding whether vaccination will be mandatory for everyone, the department responded negatively. They noted that there are many speculations on this issue, but neither the coronavirus vaccine nor other vaccinations are mandatory in Armenia. "Vaccinations are conducted at the will of the individual. The country cares for its citizens and desires that they are protected, but I can say that this is in the interest of everyone," said the Ministry of Health.

Speaking about clinical trials, the ministry assured that the COVID-19 vaccine from the UK’s AstraZeneca has met all safety and efficacy requirements at all stages and has received emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization (WHO). The acquisition of the AstraZeneca vaccine is planned for 3% of the population and is expected to take place in March 2021.

The COVAX Facility initiative continues negotiations to procure the Sputnik-V vaccine as well. Depending on the epidemiological situation and vaccine availability, the next phase will see vaccinations for lecturers, teachers, emergency service staff, military personnel, justice sector employees, public transport workers, and state officials.