Fifth Vaccinathon kicks off in Peru

The goal is to administer 600,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine across the country, of which 300,000 will be applied in Lima Metropolitan Area and Callao at 28 vaccination centers, while the remaining 300,000 in 15 regions.

In statements to Andina news agency, Minsa's Immunization Director Gabriela Jimenez explained that said regions include Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Piura, Ica, Cusco, Lima region, Amazonas, Puno, Tacna, Moquegua, Huanuco, Huancavelica, Ancash, and Apurimac. It must be noted the event began on Friday in Ica, Puno, and Huancavelica.

In Lima and Callao, some 140,000 people aged 38-44 —whose appointment information can be found on the government's 'Pongo el Hombro' (I Lend a Shoulder) website— are expected to be administered the first dose.

The special drive will also provide second doses to those aged 50 and over who are behind schedule and groups of people with comorbidities, such as pregnant women at more than 28 weeks of gestation, as well as teenagers with rare diseases, cancer, or transplanted organs.

The Fifth Vaccinathon will also be aimed at individuals who were scheduled to be vaccinated on August 14-15.

According to Jimenez, the Sinopharm jab will be administered to people aged 38-44 who are booked to receive the first dose in Lima and Callao, while the Pfizer vaccine will be given as a second dose.

The Minsa official highlighted the population's acceptance of the vaccines currently applied in the country.

So far, Peru has immunized more than 7 million people with two doses.

As is known, the three initial Vaccinathon events were held under ex-President Francisco Sagasti's administration.