Ukrainian Health Ministry approves COVID-19 vaccination plan

According to the report, the document was developed by experts from the Public Health Center, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF.

"This document will be flexible. It will be updated depending on the situation with COVID-19, new data on vaccines, and the availability of the vaccine itself. The success of its implementation depends on partnership and close cooperation with regional health institutions, local authorities, doctors, and the public," Kuzin said.

The goal of the plan is to vaccinate at least 50% of the population (20 million people) against COVID-19 during 2021–2022.

The plan will be updated every two weeks so that it could reflect the real situation.

"We are ready to get the vaccine in the first quarter of 2021. Vaccination of physicians, especially those who work in hospitals that provide treatment for COVID-19, will be a priority. Vaccination for Ukrainians from non-government-controlled areas will also be available - the relevant procedure will be approved by a separate plan," Kuzin said.

The plan envisages four stages of vaccination:

1) January-April 2021 - people with the highest risk of contracting and developing COVID-19 and those who perform vital functions in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic;

2) April-June 2021 - people with an extremely high risk of contracting and developing COVID-19 and those who provide medical services;

3) June-September 2021 - people with a high risk of contracting and developing COVID-19 and those who perform functions to maintain the security and livelihood of the state;

4) September 2021 - March 2022 - people with an increased risk to contract and develop COVID-19 and those who perform functions to maintain the security and livelihood of the state.

Some 979,506 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Ukraine as of December 22.

op