Peru will achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 only if 75%-80% of the population is vaccinated,
Health Minister Oscar Ugarte affirmed on Sunday afternoon.
Noting that all Peruvians will remain at risk if a significant number of people do not get vaccinated, the minister urged them to trust the vaccines that are being administered in the country.
"I would like to first address those who hesitate to get vaccinated. I think that it is essential to believe that all the vaccines available in Peru —Sinopharm, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca— protect you," he said.
Ugarte, 76, received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Sunday afternoon at San Borja district's sports center, after a half-hour wait in line.
Joined by
Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez, the health sector's head reiterated that Peru has secured 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and that all elderly people will be vaccinated before the end of President Francisco Sagasti's administration.
The government official confirmed that the vaccination of people with comorbidities will begin next week. Those with Down syndrome and patients undergoing hemodialysis will be given priority.
According to the Cabinet member, the immunization of this group will take place in parallel with the vaccination of the elderly. The list of comorbidities added to the vaccination plan will be updated every week.
He went on to say that the vaccination of people with Down syndrome —aged above 18 years— will begin on May 11, while the immunization of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment will start on May 12.
(END) LIT/RMB
Published: 5/9/2021