Norway could get up to three million coronavirus vaccine doses

Based on the agreements that have been put in place, Norway stands to get around three million coronavirus vaccine doses.

At the same time, Sweden is in the process of securing seven agreements with coronavirus vaccine manufacturers.

“With the agreements that we’re preparing, (we can expect) an average of two to three hundred million doses for the (entire) EU,” Richard Bergström said on NRK Debatten on Thursday night.

Bergström is Sweden’s vaccine coordinator.

He is negotiating the purchase of coronavirus vaccines on behalf of the entire EU.

Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland are also allowed to partake in the purchase, even though none of the countries are EU members.

“Norway can buy one percent of the entire EU quota. Sweden can buy two percent. Sweden will administer the actual resale to Norway, but it is the EU that is showing solidarity with Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland,” Bergström explained.

If the vaccines secured by Sweden through the agreement are approved, it could mean that Norway would receive – on average – two to three million vaccine doses.

“We expect to start vaccinating next year if the first vaccines work and if they are approved.

Several vaccines are scheduled to be ready at the same time,” Bergström added.

Minister of Health Bent Høie (H) noted that the health authorities are now working on a prioritization plan to determine who will get the vaccine first.

“It is natural to think that people in risk groups and those who work in the health service will be prioritized,” Høie accentuated.  

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today