If Sputnik V vaccine is recommended for approval by EMA, Latvia will consider purchasing the Russian vaccine - Pavluts

RIGA - If the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends approval of Russia's Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V, Latvia will definitely consider purchasing the Russian vaccine, said Health Minister Daniels Pavluts (For Development/For).

The Health Ministry has discussed the possibility and agreed that Latvia's vaccine portfolio would only include vaccines that the EMA has recommended for approval, as the minister's advisor Lasma Bindere told LETA.

"We will use each safe and scientifically-proven opportunity to protect people's health and lives," said Pavluts.

In addition, the availability of the vaccines will also be an important factor, said Pavluts. So far Latvia has ordered vaccines from seven manufacturers, and the range of vaccines available to Latvia will be very wide from mid-2021, he said.