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Armenia will limit use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to people over 55, Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan told a news conference on Monday.

"An age limit has been set on AstraZeneca vaccine for extra safety following changes in its recommendations. We have decided that the vaccine shots will be given to people aged 55 and over,” she said.

According to the minister, the high-risk groups of the population will be prioritized under the following categories: people aged over 65, healthcare workers over the age of 55, chronically ill people and nursing home employees and residents over 55.

Referring to Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, Avanesyan noted that since the vaccine batch which Armenia has received is limited, the ministry has outlined the following groups for its use: medical workers, chronically ill people and nursing home employees and residents aged between 18 and 54.

The requirements will be revised when Armenia receives new batches of Sputnik V, she added.

The country received 15,000 doses of the Russian vaccine on 8 April to inoculate 7,500 people.

Armenia is nearing a deal to acquire the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and is set to get the Chinese version in the near future, Avanesyan added.

The health minister said that vaccinations will start in Armenia’s capital Yerevan on April 13 and in the regions – on April 14.

Separately, Avanesyan said the virus situation in Armenia has stabilized although the daily cases remain high.

A total of 2,600 hospital beds are currently provided for coronavirus patients, but new beds are constantly being added, the minister said, urging people to be extra vigilant.