First, risk groups should be vaccinated, then health care workers - confirms the Minister of Health.
There are always new reports that an approved vaccine will soon be delivered to Norway. At the same time, the Norwegian health authorities are trying to prepare for how the vaccine will be distributed in practice.
Health Minister Bent Høie (H) is present at the press conference with the Director of Infection Control Geir Bukholm at FHI. Also attending the meeting are Director Audun Hågå of the Norwegian Medicines Agency and Health Director Bjørn Guldvog.
- Ever since the coronavirus changed our lives in March, we are waiting for an approved vaccine. Now it may seem that that day is soon to come. We see a light in the tunnel, says Høie.
The first doses may arrive in Norway just before New Year's Day.
The Minister of Health estimates that we will receive 2,5 million doses in the first quarter. This is more than 70 percent of all in the risk group.
- After Easter, we will be in a different situation than today, but it depends on the approval of the vaccine, its production and distribution in accordance with the manufacturer's plan. That remains to be seen, says Høie.
Good access to the vaccine in the first half of the year could change the situation in Norway. By the summer we will have a more normal everyday life - says the Minister of Health.
The risk group will come first.
Who should receive the vaccine first depends on the vaccine that has been approved for its properties and infectious situation, states the Minister of Health.
The first vaccines to be delivered to Norway will be given priority to nursing and nursing home residents and the oldest, respectively.
Here is the priority list:
- People in nursing homes and the eldest come first.
- Then come the elderly over 64 years old
- Then they come between the ages of 18 and 64 with special diseases.
- Then he comes to the health workers
The priority is justified by the fact that old age is the dominant risk factor for serious illness and deaths due to COVID-19. In old age, the incidence of diseases and chronic ailments also increases.
There are approximately 1,3 million people at risk who are over the age of 65 or already have one or more serious illnesses.
The medical staff in contact with patients is approximately 340 people.
Approved vaccines
A total of four vaccines have been approved. The vaccine for BioNTech and Pfizer has reached the farthest. The approval decision must be made by December 29.
Norway will receive vaccines by participating in EU procurement cooperation. So far, the EU has concluded contracts with four different vaccine producers and is negotiating contracts with several other producers.
Cooperation was established with BioNTech and Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen.
. The article will be updated
