Moldova Receives 50,310 Doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Through COVAX Platform
Key Insights
Moldova received 50,310 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 (search) vaccine on May 20, 2021, delivered free through the COVAX (search) platform.
An additional 50,310 Pfizer-BioNTech doses are scheduled for delivery on May 21, bringing the total to 100,620 doses, with 45,600 AstraZeneca doses to follow on May 24.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (search) has demonstrated 92% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and 94% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 (search) in clinical studies.
Moldova received a shipment of 50,310 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (search) vaccine on May 20, 2021, delivered at no cost through the COVAX (search) platform. An additional 50,310 doses are scheduled to arrive on May 21, bringing the two-day total to 100,620 doses. The deliveries are part of an ongoing global initiative to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines across countries of all income levels.
The vaccines are being stored at the warehouse of the National Public Health Agency (ANSP) and will be distributed proportionally to all vaccination centers throughout Moldova, according to the Health, Labour and Social Protection Ministry (MSMPS). The immunization campaign in Moldova launched on March 2, 2021, and as of the latest reporting, 264,380 people have been vaccinated.
Vaccine Efficacy and Authorization
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (search) is an mRNA-based vaccine that has received authorization for use in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom. It has been pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and approved by the European Medicines Agency (search).
According to clinical studies cited by Moldovan health authorities, the vaccine's efficacy was estimated at 92% for SARS-CoV-2 infection, 94% for symptomatic COVID-19 (search), 92% for severe forms of the disease, and 87% for people with COVID-19 who required hospitalization.
COVAX (search) Platform and Global Collaboration
The COVAX (search) mechanism is led by the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and WHO, with UNICEF serving as the leader of vaccine procurement and supply. It represents the only global initiative working with governments and manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 (search) vaccines are available worldwide, for both high-income and lower-income countries.
Moldova was the first country in Europe to receive doses of anti-COVID-19 (search) vaccine through the COVAX (search) platform. Prior to this shipment, 86,970 vaccine doses had been delivered through COVAX, comprising 24,570 Pfizer-BioNTech doses and 62,400 AstraZeneca doses.
Upcoming Deliveries and Procurement
The deliveries through the COVAX (search) platform are set to continue, with 45,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (search) scheduled for shipment on May 24. Additionally, at a meeting on May 19, the acting government approved a draft decision authorizing MSMPS to negotiate and order a consignment of 700,000 doses of the COVID-19 (search) vaccine produced by BioNTech/Pfizer, with supply expected in September-October 2021.
Vaccination Campaign Expansion
On May 18, the National Committee on Coordination of Immunization ruled to fully launch the third stage of anti-COVID-19 (search) vaccination. This decision means that all individuals willing to be vaccinated against the virus now have access to vaccines at all vaccination centers across Moldova. Residents are urged to contact their family physician and schedule vaccination appointments through the national platform at www.vaccinare.gov.md.