Tajikistan in talks with Russia on purchase of COVID-19 vaccine

AKIPRESS.COM - The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan is holding talks with the Russian Health Ministry concerning purchase of coronavirus vaccine, Khovar news agency reported citing Vice Chief of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Service Navruz Jafarov. The vaccine production level in Russia is unsufficient for massive sale yet, since up to 1.5 million doses of vaccine are planned to be produced a year, whereas population of Russia makes 142 million. It will take around 9 years for vaccination of all people in Russia. 26 countries more are on waiting list to buy coronavirus vaccine, he said.
"Since Tajikistan and Russia have agreement in the health care sector we will hope we will either receive vaccine in assistance or it will sold to us," the official said.
The Ministry of Health set up a working group to estimate the necessary amount of doses of vaccine for the country. People with diabetes, respiratory diseases, medical workers, border guards will be vaccinated first.
Tajikistan has so far confirmed 7,912 coronavirus cases since April 30.
63 patients died.
President Vladimir Putin announced about registration of the world's first coronavirus vaccine on August 11.