Argentina began seeing a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in mid-January, an unexpected up-tick that happened earlier than expected. The country was still in its Summer season when it experienced the increase and the vaccines acquired so far aren’t enough for the entire population.

Nevertheless, the country has begun its vaccine campaign. But it is still unclear how soon it will be able to secure the number of vaccines it requires.

In late December, as vaccine campaigns began around the world, Argentina’s government announced 300,000 doses of Russia’s vaccine Sputnik V had arrived in Buenos Aires.

Developed by the Gamaleya Institute, the country expects to receive nearly 20 million more doses in the coming months.

But the shipment of vaccines from Russia has now fallen behind schedule. Argentina had expected five million doses in January. For now, the number of doses to have arrived is less than one million.

So far, Argentina had agreements in place with AstraZeneca and the World Health Organization alliance, Covax, as well as for Sputnik V. And negotiations continue with six other vaccines, including three from China, as well as Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer.

The government hopes to vaccinate 85% of its adult population in 2021.The question remains if it will be enough, and whether the vaccines will arrive in time to avoid another devastating wave of infections in the coming months.

Correspondent Joel Richards brings us the story. 

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