Health Ministry Denies Mandatory Vaccination Claims in Armenia

The news regarding the alleged coercion of doctors in Armenia to get vaccinated against coronavirus, specifically with the 'AstraZeneca' vaccine, has been deemed unfounded by the Ministry of Health.

Today, the 'Hraparak' newspaper reported receiving alerts from healthcare workers, who stated that the management of polyclinics and hospitals is pressuring staff to vaccinate against COVID-19, particularly emphasizing the need for the 'AstraZeneca' vaccine. It was also claimed that this was a directive from the Ministry of Health, warning that failure to comply could result in job loss.

‘There is no source, no complaint; this information is pulled from thin air,’ said Health Minister’s spokesperson Hripsime Khachatryan, commenting on the information. She also assured that the Ministry has not set a coercion issue regarding vaccinations since they are currently taking place actively in Armenia.

‘Thanks to the self-awareness of citizens, people have realized that the only way to fight COVID is through vaccination. The process has now become quite active. We have also brought vaccinations closer to citizens. It is no longer mandatory for citizens to go to their registered polyclinic. They can register at any other polyclinic and get vaccinated. Polyclinics are open every day, working in shifts from 10:00 to 16:00 on weekends and holidays,’ explained Khachatryan.

She also mentioned that currently, vaccinations in Armenia are being carried out with two types of vaccines: 'Sputnik V' is available for individuals aged 18-54 with chronic illnesses, while 'AstraZeneca' is offered to all citizens aged 18 and above on a voluntary basis.

The third vaccine, the Chinese-manufactured 'CoronaVac', is currently in the customs clearance phase. According to Hripsime Khachatryan, this vaccine will likely be used in the same manner as 'AstraZeneca', widely and on a voluntary basis.

‘Vaccinations in Armenia have always been based on the principle of voluntariness; no one can be forced,’ concluded Khachatryan.