Czech COVID-19 vaccinations could begin from December 27, says PM

Vaccination against COVID-19 should start in the Czech Republic from December 27 if the vaccines reach the country on December 26, PM Andrej Babiš (ANO) told media today following discussions about the vaccination plan with Prague hospitals.

Babiš said he will discuss technical details of the plan with Health Minister Jan Blatný on Monday.

The Czech Republic is prepared for the vaccination, Babiš continued. He added that he wants to have himself vaccinated, but the final decision is up to his doctor to make next week.

The vaccination will be voluntary and covered by health insurance.

By the end of the year, the Czech Republic should receive more than the 10,000 doses of vaccine originally expected, Babiš continued.

"Two big boxes will arrive... The consignment is to be divided between Bohemia and Moravia. One of the two boxes, which contains 4,870 vaccines, will be sent to the Moravian [capital] Brno," he said.

Babiš added that negotiations are underway regarding another shipment from Pfizer for 19,500 doses, which should also be at Czechia's disposal before the end of the year. This supply would be distributed to hospitals in Czech regions.

Babiš also met Zdeněk Kabátek, director of the country's biggest health insurer VZP, to discuss the financial coverage of the vaccination.

"We need the vaccination to run nonstop. This means overtime work, higher costs, more money for hospitals," Babiš said.

The Prime Minister added that it is also necessary to call on employers to allow their staff time to have themselves vaccinated.