Czechia: Mass vaccinations to roll out after Christmas

Czech Republic PM Andrej Babiš revealed plans of rolling out vaccinations on December 27 once the vaccines reach the country on December 26. PM Andrej Babiš told this to the media in the wake of ongoing vaccination plans with Prague hospitals. Babiš would then pass the technical details of this plan with Health Minister Jan Blatný.

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Babiš expressed optimism about the country’s preparedness for the vaccine. He expressed how he himself would like to get vaccinated once he gets a go-ahead from the doctor. The entire vaccination exercise will be voluntary and covered under health insurance. Eventually, the Czech Republic will receive over 10,000 doses of the vaccine. Two large consignments are expected that will be divided between Bohemia and Moravia. 

Babiš revealed advanced negotiations with Pfizer for an extra shipment of 19,500 doses before the years’ end. Should it go through, this will be distributed to hospitals in other Czech regions. The Prime Minister also urged employers to allow their staff ample time to undergo vaccination. 

The Czech Republic earlier bought vaccines for 5.5 million people at a cost of  CZK 1.8 billion a further dose reserve for 10.6 million people at CZK 4.6 billion. Initially, the expectation was to receive the vaccines next year, but it now seems to be arriving before the New Year. 

The country also ordered three million doses from Astra Zeneca to cover 1.5 million people. Two doses that induce immunity will be needed for Pfizer and BioNTech. An additional order has been placed from Johnson & Johnson, enough for two million people. 

Also read: Obama, Bush and Clinton will get vaccinated on live tv

The Czech PM will add to the list of top politicians who have been vaccinated. Top global leaders such as Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, outgoing US Vice President Joe Biden, and incoming President Joe Biden have all been vaccinated.

Ph: JDzacovsky / Shutterstock.com

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Wanted in Europe, part of the Wanted Worldwide network, is a website in English for expatriates in Europe established in 2006. We cover Europe's news stories that may be of interest to English speaking residents along with tourists as well. Our publication also offers classifieds, photos, information on events, museums, churches, galleries, exhibits, fashion, food, and local travel.
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