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Most Peruvians would be vaccinated before 2021 general elections

Photo: AFP

16:17 | Lima, Oct. 2.

Peru already participates in two international circuits for the acquisition of vaccines against COVID-19, which are expected to arrive in the country in the first quarter of 2021 to immunize as many people as possible prior to the general elections scheduled for April 11, Deputy Public Health Minister Luis Suarez announced on Friday.

"The goal is that we can have the population vaccinated before the elections are held," he expressed.

According to the government official, one of the criteria to make agreements with pharmaceutical companies involve those companies offering Peru their vaccines earlier —for the first months of next year— in such a way that they enable the Health Ministry to vaccinate the population before April 11.

He indicated that this objective responds to the fact that crowds and large concentrations of people constitute a risk factor for the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

In turn, Immunization Advisor at the Health Ministry (Minsa) Carlos Castillo said that, in the event that face-to-face school classes resume next year, all teaching staff will also be vaccinated.

He indicated that —in the first quarter of 2021— Peru is expected to rely on vaccines to immunize the first two groups established in the COVID-19 vaccination strategy: those that contribute to the functioning of the healthcare system and services, as well as the elderly and people who suffer from any comorbidity.

Regarding the binding agreements signed for the acquisition of coronavirus vaccines, he noted that Pfizer —which will provide 9.9 million doses— has presented a preliminary delivery schedule, but talks continue with the aim of shortening times and having as many doses as possible in the first quarter of 2021.

Concerning the vaccines to be purchased through the COVAX Facility coalition (13 million doses), he stated that nine laboratories participate in this effort. However, there is not a detailed delivery schedule yet, as this will depend on the platforms used and the production capacity of pharmaceutical companies.

(END) NDP/LIT/MVB

Published: 10/2/2020

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