PM: There Will Not Be Shortage of Flu Vaccine in the Country

The government of Georgia has already purchased a significantly greater quantity [of the flu vaccine] than last year through the relevant institutions and agencies, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated at a briefing held at the Administration of the Government after the conclusion of the session of the Interagency Coordination Council, in response to a reporter's question about the flu vaccine.

The head of the government noted that the delivery of the vaccine supplies that have already been purchased will begin in stages, starting next week.

"Today, unfortunately, a very significant global deficit has been created. The reasons for this are understandable as the demand is quite high. I would like to tell you that the government, Georgia, has already purchased a significantly greater quantity than last year through the relevant institutions and agencies. The delivery of the vaccine supplies that have already been purchased will begin in stages, starting next week. We have already purchased additional quantities as well, and we are continuing to do so in stages. I am certain that there will not be a shortage of the flu vaccine in the country; however, this requires a step-by-step approach. There is no need to start panicking. The flu season has not yet begun. The flu season in Georgia starts in the second half of November and, correspondingly, we have enough time to help the private sector and fulfill the obligations of the state in full. We all understand that the next challenge of the virus, the pandemic [will be the following]: While during the first stage this was a completely unfamiliar event to the world, today, the co-occurrence of the virus and the flu introduces a new degree of uncertainty. Of course, we have insured against this and it is no problem to help the private sector as well. However, they have their own responsibilities and they, in turn, continue making these purchases. We will help them also and there will be no shortage of the flu vaccine in Georgia," Giorgi Gakharia stated.