A list of about 15,000 health staff in Yangon Region has been made for their vaccination against Covid-19 when a vaccine comes, according to the Region Public Health and Medical Services Department.  

According to the Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar has planned to inoculate 40 percent of the population in 2021 and the remaining 60 percent in 2022 and 2023.  

“As we have planned, we will inoculate 40 percent of the population against Covid-19 next year. We will get 20 percent from COVAX Facility at a very cheap price. The remaining 20 percent will come at a cheaper price than those from companies if we buy from COVAX Facility. We hope that we will get 60 percent more in 2022 and 2023. We will procure the vaccines quickly if they are authorized by WHO. COVAX Facility is recognized by WHO. We are also discussing with other countries to get vaccines. They are China, India and Russia. We are discussing matters related to quality assurance, documentation, vaccine imports and shipments,” said Professor Dr Saw Win from the vaccination technical advisory team. 

During a meeting on December 5, Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe said vaccination coverage of Myanmar depends on vaccine availability, so it is difficult to get herd immunity in a short time. The minister urged the public members to continue to follow the health guidelines for Covid-19 prevention for many more months to come.