Peru has agreed to buy 55 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for 2022 to continue vaccinating the population, even with the fourth dose (booster dose), if necessary,
Health Minister Hernando Cevallos announced on Sunday.
"(...) We have agreed (to purchase) 55 million doses from different laboratories for three quarters of next year, which would allow us, if necessary, to administer a fourth dose (booster dose) to the most vulnerable groups and frontline workers," he told Canal N.
In addition, Cevallos clarified that the administration of a fourth dose for the general population, three months after the third one, will depend on how the pandemic evolves in the country next year, noting that this is a possibility that cannot be ruled out.
The government official confirmed that the number of doses needed to vaccinate children between 5 and 11 years of age, in January, has already been agreed with the Pfizer laboratory.
"This will be important to give parents peace of mind as their children begin their return to school, which is urgently needed in the country," he stated.
Cevallos pointed out that the vaccine doses for children aged 5 to 11 will arrive in the first half of January next year.
According to the minister, the exact date of the start of the vaccination drive that targets the above-mentioned age group will be announced in the coming days.
(END) LIT/RMB
Published: 12/26/2021