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He also confirmed that the first batch of vaccines, although very small, could reach Lithuania in a week.
“Six contracts have been signed with pharmaceutical companies, the purchase of more than 7 million doses of vaccines is expected. And for this, the state budget, which until now has not been provided, is allocated 65 million. euros. And also what has not been planned until now, and what is now transparent in the budget: another 80 million. euros for various tools, tests, logistics and other things, “said the minister at a press conference on Wednesday.
The minister confirmed that the first shipment will receive fewer vaccines than expected, but promises a week ahead of schedule.
“If the European Medicines Agency takes action on December 21, the European Commission will make its decisions on December 23, which means that the first small part may reach Lithuania from December 25 to 26. However, as we have agreed telling people the truth, unfortunately, this is only the first small amount, ”stated A. Dulkys.
At the meeting of the Seimas National Security and Defense Committee (NSGC), Audrius Ščeponavičius, Director of the Ministry’s Department of Public Health, confirmed that BioNTech and Pfizer promise to deliver 9,750 doses of vaccines soon, which would be enough to vaccinate almost 5,000 people. . According to him, the vaccination of the first, that is, the doctors, could take place already at Christmas and Christmas.
The minister says he does not know why the number of future first vaccines is much less than previously promised.
“I personally have no information about the reasons for these changes, it is very likely that all of Europe does not know the real reasons. I would not interpret it, we are waiting for information. The good news is that the agreements have been closed and in the course of 2021 we will have a sufficient quantity, 7.2 million, of vaccines, that we will really have enough ”, assured A. Dulkys.
“The only question is what will happen to the offer, if that offer will be broken down into small amounts or if it will be quarterly and more; we are still waiting for answers. Unfortunately, today I have no answers,” the minister admitted.
Lithuania has already decided to buy vaccines from six companies: Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Sanofi and GSK, BioNTech and Pfizer and CureVac.
It is planned to buy enough vaccines to vaccinate 70% of them. population, but due to existing agreements and efforts to reduce risks, significantly more will be purchased than the population as a whole. Unused vaccines will be available for sale or donation to third parties.
On Wednesday, the government approved the revised state budget project for 2021, which is presented to the Seimas. Next year, the budget, with the European Union and other financial support, is planned at 11,252 million. 15,826 million euros of income. The budget deficit will reach 4,573 million euros. euros.
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