UNICEF: Serbia gets third shipment of vaccine through COVAX

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UNICEF said on Wednesday that Serbia received a third shipment of coronavirus vaccine procured through COVAX.

“The third delivery of 115,200 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines has arrived at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport this morning. This is important as evidence shows that high vaccination rates are a key factor in the fight against COVID-19,” a press release said and added that the Serbian government financed the purchase of the vaccines while UNICEF secured transport and delivery. “Serbia has so far received 292,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines procured through the COVAX Facility,” it said.

It warned that the pandemic was exacerbating poverty, inequality and vulnerability and impacting the most vulnerable children who are far less likely to have access to remote learning and more likely to be exposed to violence, abuse, neglect, child marriage and other risks.

“Significantly, Serbia is one of the countries in which children were able to continue learning, despite challenges. However, like in many other countries, the lack of in-person classes has impacted students’ learning, health and well-being at critical developmental stages with repercussions for each child and their family. UNICEF supports the vaccination of teachers and education professionals. Together with other prevention measures, it can minimize the risk of infection within school settings and can consequently influence the modality of schooling,” it added.

The COVAX Facility is co-led by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) with the goal of providing nations with equitable and affordable access to safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19, regardless of their income level and with UNICEF supporting the process as a delivery agent.