Vaccines Also Protect Against Omicron Variant, Minister Says

Currently, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has not been detected in Armenia. This was announced today by Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan during a government meeting.

“Vaccinations provide a sufficiently high level of protection against this Omicron variant, which is very important and encouraging. This means that the policy we have adopted is correct, and we will continue to proceed in this way,” the minister stated.

She also reported that to date, 1,591,809 vaccinations have been administered in Armenia, of which 920,609 are citizens who have received only the first dose.

The epidemiological situation in Armenia is currently assessed by the minister as “good.” The new strain of the coronavirus causes 32 mutations in the S-protein, which infect cells. Experts believe that B.1.1.529 initially developed in individuals with HIV or those with compromised immunity.

During an emergency meeting, the World Health Organization considered B.1.1.529 as “concerning” and named it after the Greek letter “Omicron.” It is believed that both those infected with Covid-19 and vaccinated individuals can be infected with it.