The source noted that the planned shipment will cover 50 percent of Cuba’s annual vaccination needs.

Cuba has an Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), which administers 13 vaccines, with a 98-99 percent coverage.

Sodepaz explained that the syringes used are typically 0.5-1 ml with a needle (self-disabling or single-use for safety reasons), and the country produces 80 percent of its vaccines, but imports supplies such as syringes.

The organization stated, commenting on the issue, that Cuba administers an average of 4.8 million doses of single or combined vaccines per year.

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