Italian Minister of Health: "Nationwide Vaccination by This Summer"

"AstraZeneca Vaccine, Vaccination Expanded to Those Aged 65 and Over"
"Russian Sputnik V Vaccine Also an Option"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Italian Minister of Health has set a goal to vaccinate the entire population against COVID-19 by this summer, expanding the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine to include the elderly aged 65 and over, and also stated that the introduction of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine could be considered.

According to local media such as Italy's ANSA news agency, on the 7th (local time), Roberto Speranza, Italy's Minister of Health, said in an interview with the local broadcaster RAI3, "The goal is to vaccinate all citizens who want the vaccine by this summer," adding, "From next month, with increased supply, we will be able to accelerate vaccinations."

Minister Speranza explained, "After the 1st of next month, more than 50 million doses of vaccines will be supplied, and the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine from the US pharmaceutical company, which requires only one dose for prevention, is expected to receive approval for use from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as early as the 11th," adding, "The second quarter of this year will be a decisive period."

He continued, "There is new evidence that the AstraZeneca vaccine is effective for all age groups," and stated, "We plan to expand the vaccination target to include those aged 65 and over." It is known that Italy has so far administered the AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged 64 and under, and the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to those aged 65 and over.

Minister Speranza also attracted attention by saying, "The Russian Sputnik V vaccine could be one option." Italy, as well as European Union (EU) countries, have so far been reluctant to introduce the Sputnik V vaccine due to concerns about insufficient or inadequate clinical trials. However, according to ANSA news agency, perspectives have somewhat shifted positively after the recent publication in the renowned international medical journal The Lancet of Phase 3 clinical trial results showing the Sputnik V vaccine's preventive efficacy reaching 91.6%.