All Vaccines Are Better Than Not Being Vaccinated: Afeyan Discusses Moderna's Potential Arrival in Armenia

There are indeed differences between the American Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the British-Swedish AstraZeneca, the Russian Sputnik V, and the Chinese CoronaVac, but these differences should not deter individuals from getting vaccinated. This was stated by Nubarr Afeyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Moderna, during a meeting at the Medical University, emphasizing that all vaccines are surely better than not being vaccinated.

According to Afeyan, the question is not whether a vaccine might pose a risk, but what awaits you if you do not get vaccinated. “There is nothing you can put into your body, breathe in, eat, or inject with a needle that does not pose some risk. And the effects of this virus on our health are either terrible or very terrible. Hence, there is no other approach where we can say, well, I had the flu, it passed, nothing happened. Anyone involved in this material can see that results are observed in the body— not only in severely ill patients but also in others— months later,” he stated.

Afeyan does not blame those who are skeptical about vaccines, as he points out that such a crisis as the coronavirus pandemic has not been seen before. Nevertheless, he urges people to demonstrate public responsibility and not endanger the lives of others. “You can put your life at risk; that is your decision. But you also put others at risk,” said the creator of one of the most popular vaccines against the coronavirus.

When asked when the Moderna vaccine will be available in Armenia and what agreements have been reached with the Armenian government regarding this issue, the Armenian-American biotechnologist clarified that he approaches the question more as a philanthropist rather than as the Chairman of Moderna's Board of Directors. However, the problem is that he cannot say, “focus only on Armenia, forget other countries,” as the law does not permit that. Therefore, Afeyan is trying to find other options, believing that in a few months, another direction may open up when various philanthropic organizations can acquire vaccines and donate them. In this context, he is working with the U.S. government to understand their position.

“I hope that both through COVAX and currently working on that, the U.S. government can provide a certain amount of vaccine as a gift to Armenia. I’m confident that if that happens, it will be either Moderna or Pfizer. We are working on that,” said Nubarr Afeyan, adding that currently there are no specific deadlines regarding this issue. The answer to the question about deadlines should come from the Armenian government.

The Yerevan State Medical University hosted Nubarr Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora humanitarian initiative and co-initiator of the “Future Armenian” movement, at the Rehabilitation Center for the Defender of the Homeland. By a decision of the University Scientific Council, Nubarr Afeyan was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of YSPU. At the center, the treated soldiers presented Afeyan with a souvenir made by their own hands.