All Egyptians To Be Vaccinated: Here’s All You Need To Know About Vaccines And ‘Sputnik V’
It’s been a hassle with all these vaccine issues. Have they arrived or not, good enough or not, and more. Many people were torn between being vaccinated or not, with concerns that they might not get better afterwards. However, good news! On Sunday the ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine will be available. The Egyptian state is exerting intensive efforts in providing coronavirus vaccines to gradually vaccinate all Egyptians. Medical staff, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases will first be prioritized.
The vaccine will be provided through the website and for those who cannot access it can go to any hospital affiliated with the ministry, where the workers there will take the necessary steps. Official data specified the distribution of the vaccine to citizens at LE 100 pounds for one dose, LE 200 pounds for two doses as a maximum, and it is likely that this price will decrease.
According to Cabinet spokesperson Nader Saad’s confirmation, if you’re living in Egypt, you will receive the vaccination regardless of your passport. Refugees will also be eligible for a jab free of charge, if they can prove that they are financially unable to pay for it.
Out and about
Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed and Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang, held a joint press conference on February 23rd. This took place only a matter of hours after Egypt’s receipt of a consignment for 300,000 doses of ‘Sinopharm’ vaccine were granted from China. Minister Zayed stated that registration to get vaccinated will resume online on Sunday, February 28th for citizens aged above 40, and for those suffering from chronic diseases. The minister added that the vaccination process will take place at 40 venues across the 27 governorates. Spokesperson of the Ministry Khaled Megahed, pointed out that the Chinese vaccine is effective by 86 percent in preventing COVID-19 infection, 99 percent in producing anti-bodies, and 100 percent in preventing medium and severe symptoms.
Wait a minute though, that’s not all there is to it! The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), granted an emergency license on Tuesday, authorizing the use of Russia’s ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine and the ‘AstraZeneca/AZD 1222’ vaccines. This comes as part of the state’s efforts to combat the pandemic and vaccinate as many people as possible. Prime Speed Medical is set to become the first private sector player in Egypt to import COVID-19 vaccines with an initial agreement for 10 million doses of Russia’s ‘Sputnik V.’ Prime reached an initial agreement, following many negotiations between the Egyptian Medicines Authority and the Russian Sovereign Wealth Fund, according to a press release seen by Al Mal. The imported batches will be distributed by government officials.
According to Mahmoud Yassin, the Head of the Central Administration for Biological and Innovative Products at the EDA, he explained that the decision followed the necessary evaluation process for the two vaccines. This comes in accordance with the global and local rules in place to ensure the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccine. To further illustrate, Yassin said that with these two vaccines, the EDA has now authorized a total of four vaccines for emergency use, having previously granted the license for the ‘Sinopharm’ and ‘Covishield/AstraZeneca’ vaccines.
