Myanmar is due to get a Covid-19 vaccine only for 20 percent of its population in 2021 under the COVAX programme and all doses will not come at a one time, said the Union Minister for Health and Sports during the meeting (2/2020) of the COVAX National Coordinating Committee – CNCC on December 5.

The minister discussed matters related to stages of immunization from the second quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2021 to be reported to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on December 7 under the COVAX plan, immunization of prioritized groups, cost sharing between Gavi and Myanmar, type of vaccine Myanmar is willing to have and logistics, and immunization plans.

He said it was a final and detailed discussion by CNCC and National Immunization Technical Advisory Group-NITAG. He also stressed the need to consider infrastructure and human resource situations of Myanmar in its immunization plan.

He expressed his belief that Myanmar would be successful in its Covid-19 vaccination programmes as it has had long-term experiences in vaccinating the citizens against 13 diseases. But he stressed the need to be cautious about cold storage system. The minister said preparations were also being made for that. 

The minister also said the maximum amount of the Covid vaccine Myanmar will get in 2020 is just 20 percent of its population. And the amount will not come either in full swing, he added. 

However, Myanmar ambassadors are having contacts with the United States, the United Kingdom, China and India to purchase an additional amount of vaccine as required by the nation, the union minister promised.

The National Committee for Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment has also given the instruction to buy the required amount of vaccine with the State fund and World Bank loans, the minister said.