Returning to normalcy amid the pandemic is achievable for Kazakhstan once half its population receives vaccinations, according to the country's top health official.
Kazakhstan's vaccination campaign against COVID-19 is gaining momentum as the production of the Russian-developed Sputnik V vaccine is set to increase. According to recent announcements, production is expected to reach 90,000 doses by February and 150,000 doses in March.
The vaccination drive, which includes relevant agency heads and deputy ministers, is progressing steadily. Notable figures such as Yerlan Kiiasov, the Chief Sanitary Doctor, and Deputy Minister of Health Azhar Ganiat, were vaccinated with Sputnik V on February 1.
Doctors from infectious hospitals and paramedics are prioritised in the vaccination process. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to be vaccinated, according to specialists at the multidisciplinary capital centre. However, the need for vaccination after recovering from COVID-19 depends on the presence of antibodies in the body. It is recommended to consider vaccination six months after recovering from COVID-19, but only after additional examination.
The government aims to vaccinate 10 million people by the end of the year. If at least half of the country's population is vaccinated, it will be possible to return to normal life, according to the Ministry of Health. The effectiveness of the vaccine is considered crucial for a return to normal life.
In addition to Sputnik V, the production of the Kazakh vaccine "QazCovid-in" will also be widely used in the spring at the Karaganda Pharmaceutical Plant. If the number of COVID-19 patients increases, 50 vaccination cabinets can be made available. Currently, there are 36 vaccination cabinets deployed in the capital.
Timur Muratov, head of the city's Department of Public Health, emphasised the importance of the second dose of vaccination. He mentioned that he has to get the second dose of vaccination on the 22nd. The second dose of vaccination is mandatory, as one complements the other.
While no new information was provided about the production schedules of Sputnik V or QazCovid-in, it is clear that Kazakhstan is committed to combating COVID-19 through vaccination. The country's leadership has shown interest in securing vaccine doses and maintaining medical supplies to fight the pandemic.
It is crucial to note that no direct data on Kazakhstan’s Sputnik V vaccine production capacity, planned increases, or expected doses by April 2025 can be confirmed from the current search results. Further specialized sources or official governmental announcements from Kazakhstan or the Gamaleya Institute would be needed for precise, up-to-date information.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's vaccination campaign is moving forward with increased Sputnik V production and a commitment to vaccinate a significant portion of its population. The effectiveness of the vaccine remains crucial for a return to normal life, and the government is taking steps to ensure that this goal is achieved.
The vaccination campaign in Kazakhstan, furthered by the increased production of Sputnik V vaccine, also includes a homegrown solution, QazCovid-in, expected for wide use in the spring. This comprehensive approach towards health-and-wellness and science, led by the government, aims to vaccinate a substantial portion of the population to curb the impact of COVID-19, ultimately paving the way for a return to normal life.
