Widespread Vaccination Process to Begin Next Week, Says Anahit Avanesyan

As of April 10, a total of 202,167 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Armenia, with 3,720 deaths attributed to the virus, and an additional 952 fatalities due to other conditions affecting those with the virus. This means that one in every four tested individuals is confirmed to be infected, and one in every 43 individuals with the virus has died, reports Hetq.am.

The Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, states that the situation regarding COVID-19 in Armenia is "stably tense," with 20% of patients (over 3,000 individuals) in moderate (around 2,400 people), severe, or extremely severe conditions (over 600 individuals). Currently, more than 16,000 people are receiving treatment for COVID-19. There are few available hospital beds on a daily basis, with some patients waiting for hospitalization.

Recently, 24,000 doses of the British AstraZeneca vaccine and 15,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine have arrived in Armenia (this is the second batch; the first batch was around 2,000 doses). The Sputnik V vaccine will be administered in two doses to 7,500 people, while the AstraZeneca vaccine will be given in one dose to 24,000 people, with more doses to be imported for the second doses.

Although the vaccines are not yet registered in Armenia, their use is permitted and registration will happen later. So far, around 600 people have been vaccinated, mostly healthcare workers, but there are many who wish to receive the vaccine. “From next week, a widespread vaccination process will be implemented,” the minister informs.

Following reports of side effects and deaths (with no established link between deaths and the vaccine), about 20 countries (including Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, France, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Thailand, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Luxembourg) have temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca, leading to mixed opinions about the British vaccine in Armenia. Anahit Avanesyan urges the public to "not overestimate the risks" and "not fall for misinformation," as many things are presented "in an incorrect light." Regarding the lower efficacy data of AstraZeneca for those over 55, the minister mentions that discussions with experts are ongoing, and on Monday, April 12, they will have conclusions and clear guidelines on which age groups will be vaccinated with AstraZeneca.

According to A. Avanesyan, she intends to get vaccinated, although which vaccine she will receive is not yet known; it will depend on what is available at that moment. For more details, visit the website.