PM Shmyhal: Ukraine awaiting first 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from COVAX

Ukraine is awaiting the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine in the amount of 200,000 doses from the COVAX Facility in the near future.

"Vaccination will start in February. Ukraine will receive 1 million doses of the vaccine ... [We’ll soon receive] the first batch in the amount of 200,000 doses from COVAX to start immediate vaccination of the first stage," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said on the air of ICTV channel, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He stressed that there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants to get a shot this year.

"Today we have contracts for more than 30 million doses signed and pending signature, so we will adhere to a clear vaccination plan, all the infrastructure is prepared," Shmyhal said.

He added that Ukrainians will be able to get vaccinated for free and on a paid basis.

"The national plan provides for five stages of vaccination, mandatory for doctors, servicepersons on the front line [in Donbas]. The second stage also covers the military of the Armed Forces, the National Police, all risk groups. Up to the 5th stage, there is an opportunity to get vaccination for free, it will be voluntary. It will also be possible to get vaccinated for a fee in the companies that will deliver the vaccine," the Head of Government said.

According to him, the national plan provides for the vaccination of 50% of the population during 2021-2022.

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