MINSK, 26 April (BelTA) – Plans are in place to vaccinate against COVID-19 at least 60% of the population of Belarus, read the experts' recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination with the Gam-COVID-Vac jab published on the website of the Belarusian Healthcare Ministry, BelTA has learned.
In line with the National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for 2021-2022, at least 60% of the country's population will get access to the immunization program.
The Healthcare Ministry explained that COVID-19 jabs help vaccinated people develop immunity, prevent the disease, its severe cases, and unfortunate outcomes. However, vaccination under 60% of the population will not help develop herd immunity and curb the coronavirus spread. Research into this matter is still underway. As new data comes in, the vaccination target might be adjusted.
The vaccination campaign is already underway in Belarus. During the first stage of the campaign, vaccines are administered to healthcare workers, pharmacists, employees of the social sphere and education as well as adults who live in residential care facilities.
The second stage of the immunization program will cover population groups who are most likely to develop severe forms of the disease. These are 60+ people and people with chronic diseases.
During the third stage of the vaccination campaign, shots will be given to people who are at higher risk of getting infected than others due to their profession: employees of retail outlets, catering facilities, utility services, transport, cultural establishments, sports facilities, and so on. Eligible for vaccination will also be government officials who are responsible for ensuring the country's security and law enforcement.
Finally, vaccines will be offered to the general public who are not part of any of the above-mentioned groups.
The time frame of these stages will depend on supplies of vaccine (vaccine production) and capacities of healthcare facilities.
