Armenia to Acquire COVID-19 Vaccine for $6.3 Million, First Shipment Expected in 2021

In the Republic of Armenia, the acquisition of a COVID-19 vaccine is emphasized to control the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and improve the pandemic situation. This was stated in a press release by the Ministry of Health.

For this purpose, negotiations are ongoing with all possible parties, particularly vaccine manufacturers and international partners.

Currently, a unique opportunity has been provided for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. A unified purchasing platform has been created, coordinated by international partners through the COVAX FACILITY fund. The fund is directly negotiating with vaccine manufacturers, facilitating the acceleration of the process, establishing uniform prices for vaccines, and assisting countries included in the fund with guaranteed purchase quantities and prices.

The Ministry of Health has signed an agreement with the COVAX FACILITY for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 600,000 doses are to be purchased for around 300,000 people in at-risk groups, with each person receiving two doses. The total financial cost of vaccine procurement is approximately $6.33 million, with the average cost per dose being $10.55, which may decrease through negotiations.

The delivery of the first shipment of the vaccine (covering 3% of the population) is scheduled for 2021, following the licensing and approval of safe and effective vaccines, as soon as possible.

The Ministry anticipates that the implementation of vaccinations against COVID-19 in the Republic of Armenia will contribute to a decrease in morbidity, prevent related deaths, and alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.