On Friday afternoon Xavier Bettel and Paulette Lenert elaborated on the country's vaccine strategy, which was the subject of discussion in this week's state council meeting.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Health addressed the press with details of the forthcoming vaccination strategy, following a consultation with the National Ethics Committee in terms of prioritising different groups for the vaccine rollout.

The ministers also addressed the ongoing situation in Luxembourg, with Bettel stating it was too early to make a decision on whether the current restrictions will be lifted beyond 15 December. The government is expected to meet next week to discuss the partial lockdown's effects and decide on a process for Christmas. Bettel said the virus will not take a Christmas break, so it will be crucial to decide on the correct steps to take to preserve the population's wellbeing.

Vaccine will not be mandatory

Bettel said the vaccine will not be obligatory in Luxembourg. It will be free of charge and will be issued via an invitation system similar to that of the large-scale testing programme.

The first people to receive the vaccine as a priority will be staff in the healthcare sector, including care home employees. This group will be made up of those working in close proximity to the most vulnerable members of society, and will cover roles from doctors to catering staff.

The second priority group will be made up of the vulnerable and elderly, and will include retirement home residents.

Bettel explained the next steps would rely on the vaccine quantities to be delivered, as well as the timing of these deliveries. This all hangs on the European Medical Agency analysis which is expected to be confirmed by the end of December, or early January. At present, over 800,000 doses have been ordered, said the PM.

Luxembourg's strategy thus far has been to prepare for the vaccine rollout by 15 December, ensuring everything is in place for immediate rollout once the EMA gives its approval.

5 vaccine centres planned in two phases

The first centre will open in the capital as part of the first phase, followed by a second in the south. The Victor Hugo hall in Limpertsberg will open in mid-December, then as part of phase two the centre will open in Belval, Esch.

A third will open in Findel, following by one in Ettelbruck in the north. Authorities are currently planning a fifth centre in the east where they are searching for an appropriate location. The second phase will be launched once the number of vaccines is confirmed.

Vaccine by invitation

People will be invited to get the vaccine, as is the case with the large scale testing strategy. A personal code will be sent which will allow the person to book their appointments on Guichet.lu. The code will be valid for two weeks, and a second appointment will be booked at the same time if a second dose is required.

It will also be possible for people to book an appointment over the phone.

An information campaign will follow to educate people on the vaccine and to assuage any concerns, said the Minister of Health.