Don’t Take Children Under One Year Old to Crowded Places, Says Avanesyan

The Minister of Health of Armenia, Anahit Avanesyan, stated at a press conference that approximately 95% of the population in Armenia is vaccinated against measles, leaving only 5% unprotected against the virus. In the last two days, around 400 individuals have been vaccinated against measles in Armenia.

Avanesyan emphasized that children under the age of one are particularly at risk as they cannot be vaccinated. She urged parents not to take their children under one year old to entertainment venues where there are large numbers of other children. In addition to children, healthcare workers are also included in the at-risk group and have been involved in the vaccination process.

According to the Minister of Health, being vaccinated with two doses against measles excludes the possibility of contracting the virus. “At the moment, we are working with our polyclinics to identify the list of people who have missed their measles vaccinations and to engage with them individually to ensure they get vaccinated and prevent the spread of the infection,” said the Minister.

Avanesyan reminded that the last outbreak of measles in Armenia was during 2006-2007 and that the country has the experience necessary to prevent and control any similar outbreak. She noted that currently there is no talk of an epidemic or pandemic and “such scenarios are not on the horizon.”

As of today, 11:00 AM, there have been 20 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles reported in Armenia.