How Many People Have Been Vaccinated in Correctional Institutions

While some people outside are hesitant about getting vaccinated, the percentage of vaccinated individuals against the coronavirus in correctional facilities is very low. According to the Ministry of Justice, out of 938 inmates, only 125 have been vaccinated.

Vaccination against COVID-19 for detainees and sentenced prisoners held in the institutions of the Ministry of Justice is being carried out through local polyclinic services close to the correctional facilities, as well as through the Armenian Ministry of Health's Disease Control and Prevention Center. The vaccination process has already started and is being conducted according to established procedures. As of October 12, 2021, 125 individuals in correctional facilities have been vaccinated.

Taking into account that correctional facilities are considered closed institutions and that the risk of the virus penetrating these areas is minimal, COVID-19 testing for detained individuals is conducted based on clinical symptoms. The divisions of the Correctional Medical Center are currently equipped with the necessary medical supplies and materials to combat the pandemic, and together with relevant health services, they are doing everything possible to prevent the virus from entering correctional facilities,” the Ministry stated.

They also noted that when inmates show symptoms, testing is provided free of charge.

Additionally, during the recent government meeting discussing the vaccination process against the coronavirus, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed unprecedentedly harsh criticism towards officials: “I have set a task, go and solve it. The vaccination numbers are bad, very bad, and do not complain about anyone else. And this applies to all the people sitting in the hall.”

It is noteworthy that vaccination in Armenia began in April. To date, at least 11.5% of the population has been vaccinated with at least one dose, and with this indicator, Armenia continues to be the last in the region. Currently, four types of vaccines are being used: the British-Swedish AstraZeneca, the Russian Sputnik V, the Chinese Sinopharm, which has become scarce in Armenia, and the Moderna vaccine, which was recently brought to Armenia.