The Republic of Moldova initiated the procedure for buying vaccines against COVID-19 through the cost-sharing mechanism launched by the COVAX Facility. The price per dose was estimated at US$7 and this includes the shipment costs, procurement and other taxes. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection will inform about the quantity of vaccines that is to be purchased in 2021, IPN reports, quoting the Ministry.

By an official letter to the Ministry, COVAX said the delivery of the vaccine will depend on the available supplies and it will inform about the quantity of available doses that can be delivered in the course of 2021.

On December 30, 2020, the Ministry asked COVAX to cover 50% of the population with doses of vaccine against COVID-19, 20% of which is provided free, while 30% through the agency of the cost-sharing mechanism at preferential prices.

The cost-sharing mechanism is designed to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, in addition to the doses offered free for 20% of the country’s population, so as to increase the COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

So far, COVAX shipped 14 400 doses of Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and 24 570 doses of Pfizer vaccines to Moldova free of charge. Another 48 000 doses of Vaxzevria vaccine will be delivered at end-April.