The head of the coronavirus portfolio Wael al-Hayajneh Tuesday said the 'world is in a race to obtain a vaccine' against COVID-19.

He said there is no medicine in the world that guarantees complete safety, adding that the vaccine ensures the disease does not affect more than 90 percent of recipients.

The COVID-19 vaccine could have 12 different side effects, three of which occur at the injection site. None of the side effects  are not frightening and those who get vaccinated could experience general fatigue, fever, chills, as well as joint and muscle pain, he added.

Vaccination will be optional in Jordan when the government begins implementing the national vaccination plan. He pointed out that half of the Jordanian population is below the age limit allowed to receive the vaccine.

He confirmed that the vaccine will be available in the first quarter of 2021, adding that vaccination will not end the coronavirus crisis in Jordan.

Hayajneh did not disclose the price at which Jordan obtained the vaccine but he did say that it was an 'excellent' price.