Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed revealed the price of the coronavirus vaccine as well as the two designated groups who will receive the vaccination for free during an interview with ON E TV on Sunday.

Anyone can apply for the vaccine by using the ministry of health’s official website which will be available soon, explained Zayed, adding that the ministry will announce before the end of the first quarter when seniors above 65 years of age and patients with chronic diseases can regester to recieve the vaccine. 

Those who cannot access the website can head to the nearest hospital affiliated with the ministry to register their names and be added to the list.

Three vaccines have been approved to be used in Egypt: The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, and the Russian-made Sputnik vaccine.

Zayed pointed out that all three vaccines are still being registered, and any batches that arrive will have to undergo four standardised tests under the direct supervision of the Egyptian Drug Authority in order to ensure the safety of the vaccine.

According to the minister, the Sinopharm vaccine, which has already been authorised, will be sold for a symbolic fee of not more than EGP 100 for one single dose, and EGP 200 for the two doses. She also said the price could go down after assessing other individual factors.

She ensured that all medical staff and health workers will be given priority to receive the vaccine, she also added that those who are recipients of government subsidies from the Takaful and Karama government subsidy program will also be supported.

Egypt received its first batch of the vaccine, comprising 50,000 doses, from the China National Pharmaceutical Group Sinopharm last December. It is now due to receive a second batch with the same quantity as before.