Monaco has sufficient coronavirus vaccines for the population, the Government told NEWS.MC on Wednesday, Febuary 10.

“For the moment, despite significant tension on the international markets, Monaco has enough vaccines to pursue its vaccination strategy started at the end of December. It will be necessary to remain vigilant in the coming weeks depending on the capacities of pharmaceutical companies in Europe.”

“At the moment we are using Pfizer vaccines. Very soon, other types of vaccines are due to arrive,” the Department of Health and Social Affairs added.

Asked if every resident who wants to be vaccinated can so now or would they have to wait, the Department said: “We started the vaccination campaign as soon as we received the first doses, on December 30. The objective was to give priority to people over 75 years of age and to health workers most at risk. Since January 19, vaccination has been open to people over 65 who want it and to people under 65 who suffer from serious pathologies.

“On the basis of a medical certificate, they can make an appointment with the Covid call centre at 92.05.55.00 or online (https://vaccination-covid19.gouv.mc/).

“In the coming weeks, we will expand the categories of people eligible for vaccination to end up with employees in the Principality.”

Monaco has not been boasting about its vaccination rollout, but by the morning of last Friday, February 5, a total of 6,190 residents had received their first injection. This corresponds to 16.2 percent of the Monegasque population. As of February 8, this places Monaco in fourth place globally behind Israel, UAE, and the UK.

In old peoples’ homes the coverage has been high. At the Rainier III Center, the vaccination coverage rate is 73 percent. At Cap Fleuri, the rate is 84 percent and the same at Residence A Qietüdine.

“Regarding seniors aged 75 and over, all volunteers have received their first injection. We have vaccinated 67.7 percent of Monegasque residents aged 75 and over.

At the moment, Monaco has Pfizer vaccines and expects to receive Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines soon.

FILE PHOTO: Pfizer vaccine Reuters