AstraZeneca Vaccine Imported to Armenia with Two-Month Expiration, Minister Reports

The coronavirus vaccine "AstraZeneca" imported to Armenia has a shelf life of just over two months. This was announced on April 15 in the National Assembly by the Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan.

“All vaccines against the coronavirus have a very short shelf life. The fact that the imported vaccine has a shelf life of just over two months is fully sufficient. The expiration date of the AstraZeneca vaccine imported to Armenia is until May 31,” stated Avanesyan.

The Minister of Health also noted that efforts are currently underway to raise public awareness regarding vaccines and vaccination.

It is noteworthy that Armenia received its first batch of the "AstraZeneca" vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through the "COVAX FACILITY" initiative, consisting of 24,000 doses. It is intended for at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, individuals aged 65 and older, chronic patients, residents and staff of elderly care centers, and staff of social care facilities, on a voluntary basis for vaccination against COVID-19.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is applicable for individuals ages 18 and older.

The American FDA, the European Medicines Agency, and the WHO have provided their assessments regarding this vaccine. No causal relationship has been found between registered side effects and vaccination. In the near future, the vaccine will be available in both Yerevan and the regions of Armenia.