No Mandatory Vaccination Against COVID-19 Can Be Implemented in Armenia, Health Minister

No mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 can be implemented in Armenia. This was stated by the Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan during a conversation with journalists, addressing her announcement that preparations for COVID-19 vaccination are anticipated in the Republic of Armenia.

“Vaccination will be carried out on a voluntary basis, primarily for those approved by the ministry and located in high-risk areas. The selection of the vaccine will be determined based on discussions and observations by professional groups, and ultimately, the vaccines that have successfully passed clinical trials will be presented, which can be imported and used within our immunization program in Armenia,” said Anahit Avanesyan.

According to Avanesyan, the process of acquiring vaccines is taking place through two platforms. “We are working on two platforms: the international platform and bilateral negotiations. For example, negotiations are ongoing with Russia, and soon we will have access to the Russian 'Sputnik V' vaccine,” Avanesyan noted.

Avanesyan emphasized that the 'Sputnik V' or any other vaccine undergoes thorough investigation and selection based on evidence-based principles. “Issues that arise during clinical research for all vaccines are regularly raised, and we are carefully monitoring them, relying on evidence-based medicine and assertions made by professional groups,” Avanesyan disclosed.

According to Anahit Avanesyan, citizens returned from the Russian Federation carried a paper version of the COVID-19 test, while it should have been in an app form. “During a government meeting, it was announced that seven citizens underwent laboratory treatment that was not acceptable within this program's framework, and we provided detailed information about the conditions that must be met for citizens to travel. Their test results were provided in paper form, not app-based, which was the reason for their return,” Avanesyan elaborated.