When the Moderna Vaccine Will Be Available in Polyclinics and Outpatient Clinics

During a government meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed dissatisfaction, which is appropriate, stating that everything must be done to achieve vaccination rates at our target levels.

After the government meeting, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan spoke with reporters. She noted that administrative and legislative changes have been made, and in the near future, they will see what additional measures need to be implemented to encourage the citizens to participate more actively in the vaccination process.

When asked if it is possible to pass a law on mandatory vaccination as Nikol Pashinyan mentioned, A. Avanesyan responded that they already have legislative opportunities for mandatory vaccination and do not face any problems in adopting a new law. “The law on the sanitary-epidemiological protection of the population clearly includes a clause on mandatory vaccinations; however, a certain package of restrictions came into effect starting October 1,” the minister said. She added that they will soon determine what additional measures should be taken to expedite the vaccination process.

She revealed that 14 percent of the population has already received the first dose, while several European countries have achieved vaccination rates of over 90 percent.

The minister stated that the 2.3 billion drams allocated by the government today will be directed towards the treatment of citizens with coronavirus.

Anahit Avanesyan announced that the distribution process of the Moderna vaccine has started today, and from tomorrow, polyclinics and outpatient clinics will have it available. She mentioned that the received 50,000 doses are calculated for 25,000 individuals.

The minister also addressed public transportation, noting that compliance with regulations in transportation means is insufficient and requested her colleagues to pay greater attention to monitoring adherence to the rules in this area.

A few days ago, a media outlet published an article stating that the aircraft returning captives from Baku to Yerevan in April 2021 was reportedly empty due to unsuccessful negotiations. According to the media, on that day, mutilated bodies were brought back on the flight from Baku to Yerevan. Journalists asked Avanesyan whether she was aware of that incident and whether mutilated bodies had been sent to the Heratsi morgue on that day. “You probably mean the Forensic Medical Center; no bodies have been admitted, and I have no information,” Avanesyan responded.