Armenia negotiating purchase of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia is negotiating the purchase of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan said Wednesday, February 3.

Meeting the Russian Ambassador to Yerevan Sergey Kopyrkin and Russian Embassy Counselor Pavel Kurochkin, Avanesyan thanked Russia for its assistance in the fight against coronavirus, stressing that active cooperation with Russian colleagues has been established over the past year.

"Close cooperation with the Russian side and regular exchange of information and experience are very important for us, and today our specialists are actively negotiating the purchase of the Sputnik V vaccine," Avanesyan said.

"The Ministry of Health of Armenia has signed an agreement on cooperation within the COVAX Facility program. Nevertheless, we are also ready to purchase additional batches of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine."

The Minister also mentioned the regular assistance provided by Russia to Armenia, such as the vaccines, laboratory diagnostic equipment, including mobile medical and diagnostic clinics.

It was reported earlier that Armenia will be purchasing the AstraZeneca vaccine against coronavirus for 3% of the population. In the first stage of vaccination, priority will be given to people aged over 65, those who have underlying health conditions and medical workers. In the second stage, teachers, educators, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, military personnel, employees of the justice sector and public transport, as well as civil servants will get Covid-19 shots.