NUR-SULTAN, Feb 2 (NNN-XINHUA) – Kazakhstan began its coronavirus vaccination campaign yesterday, using Russian-made Sputnik V.
Two deputy health ministers, Erlan Kiyasov and Azhar Giniyat, were among the first to take the jab at a local hospital.
“If we create an immunity hurdle, with at least above 50 percent of population vaccinated, we can finally return to a normal society, without restrictions, without quarantines, without lockdowns,” said Kiyasov, adding that, he feels well after the injection.
At the first stage, medical workers, law enforcement officers and military personnel will receive the vaccinations.
The health ministry earlier announced that the first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine of 22,000 doses, has been delivered and distributed across Kazakhstan, followed by 112,000 doses in Feb, 150,000 in Mar, and 600,000 doses each month from Apr to June.
Kazakhstan’s domestic QazCovid-in vaccine is expected to be rolled out in Mar, with the monthly production planned to reach 500,000 doses.
According to the ministry, the vaccination, carried out on a voluntary and free basis, will continue until the end of 2021, and will cover up to six million people.
In Kazakhstan, the readiness of vaccination centres was checked, standard operating procedures were approved, and more than 2,000 medical workers were trained to give the jab, the ministry said.– NNN-XINHUA
