In a virtual communication for the media today (December 29), Prime Minister Edi Rama said that there is a general stalemate in the relationship between supply and demand in terms of vaccines.
"I want to inform you that we are in an intensive effort for the vaccine. In fact the overall situation is very significant in terms of a general stalemate in the relationship between supply and demand. Keep in mind a figure that probably helps you understand the whole picture: Italy, which started vaccinating 2 or 3 days ago, has 9700 vaccines available. This was the first amount received by Italy, a country of the European Union with a significant population. "The first dose has been divided between the countries of the European Union and it has been left to them to negotiate with other parties to share their package," he said.
He later turned to the deal with Pfizer and other companies.
"On the other hand, I want to let you know that companies, starting with Pfizer, make deals that are nonetheless related to the states. There is no agreement that is made directly with the company and you buy according to what they offer, but the agreement is related to the states which Pfizer has established the first lines of communication. When I say states, I mean the European Union as a whole. Keep in mind that the US, where it is also the largest manufacturing base, has a ban by act of the US president that no dose can leave the US. "This stalemate belongs only to the first phase, because production is growing."
The prime minister added that he is convinced that vaccination will start in January.
"However, I want to tell you that we are convinced that vaccination will start without waiting for this stalemate to pass. We will start within January and I want to believe that in mid-January we will be able to start vaccination by acting like everyone else, first doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers, the elderly, etc. We are in discussions with both AstraZeneca and Moderna and I believe that very soon we will finalize the agreement with Pfizer, which is related to the capacities that are in different countries. That is why it is an intensive, diplomatic and communication work. There was no opportunity to make direct contracts. "We are very close to finalizing an agreement."
