Today, 509,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine provided by Denmark arrived in Ukraine. This supply is a direct aid to Ukraine from the Danish government, which plans to deliver 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to various countries by the end of 2021.

The vaccine from this supply is planned to be used for vaccination of those who should receive the second dose of AstraZeneca, the rest - to be distributed between vaccination points.

"We have set an ambitious goal - to protect as many Ukrainians as possible from COVID-19 by the end of this year. The campaign's infrastructure is also growing, with more than 350 mass vaccination centers already operating and almost all available vaccination points operating. We are constantly increasing the pace of vaccination so that everyone has access to it. We are grateful to the Government of Denmark for their direct assistance in the supply of the vaccine and for their cooperation. I urge Ukrainians who have not yet been vaccinated not to procrastinate and to visit the nearest mass vaccination center to protect their health" - said the Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Lyashko.

In turn, Danish Ambassador to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen said:

“Denmark and Ukraine are close partners, including in the fight against the pandemic. The delivery of these 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine is very timely, as it is extremely important to vaccinate as many people as possible before the fall. I am grateful to UNICEF and the Government of Ukraine for their cooperation, as well as a big thank you to the medical staff who continue to save lives throughout the country every day. "

International transportation of the vaccine from the Danish Serum Institute to Kyiv was provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

"This is another great example of international solidarity, with countries that have better access to COVID-19 vaccines providing their doses to those who need them in a global emergency. We are grateful to the Danish government for choosing to support Ukraine by providing safe and effective vaccines that will protect more people from the tragic consequences of COVID-19. With the help of partners, UNICEF will continue to support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine, including through the delivery of vaccines. In anticipation of the new wave of COVID-19, it is very important to ensure access to life-saving vaccines for as many people as possible, especially those at risk, ” said Michaela Bauer, Deputy Head of the UNICEF Office in Ukraine.

As immunization takes place in a pandemic, it is extremely important that vaccination centers and points are carefully followed by infection control rules: proper distancing, ventilation and masking. People should not be allowed to become infected in the queue or within 30 minutes of waiting after vaccination while under medical supervision.