Around 300,000 are expected to be inoculated across 15 regions, and a similar number of people are expected to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Lima Metropolitan Area and Callao. This is the target set for the
fifth Vaccinathon scheduled for August 21-22.
Minsa's Immunization Director Gabriela Jimenez reported that the regions where the intensive vaccination drive will be carried out are Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Piura, Ica, Cusco, Lima region, Amazonas, Puno, Tacna, Moquegua, Huanuco, Huancavelica, Ancash, and Apurimac.
The Minsa official underlined that this Vaccinathon will be held mainly in regions that have reported cases of the Delta variant, whose transmissibility level and spread is quite high.
Jimenez stated that there is a strong risk of a third wave and that recent reports show not only a significant growth in infections but in the spread of the virus in some regions.
"Five regions were in this situation until last week. Now, the number is getting closer to 15 regions. So, considering the capital Lima and the mobility of people across the country, the speed of the variant's spread is expected to be very high," she remarked.
In this sense, the immunization director mentioned that health controls have to be intensified, and COVID-19 operations commands need to be reactivated in districts and regions, leading very aggressive information campaigns but also risk-control drives in spaces where the virus transmission can increase.
She also referred to the work of the vaccination teams, which visit homes of those who have only received the first dose and have not taken the second.
Furthermore, Jimenez affirmed that the vaccines are being distributed to the regions in order to continue and intensify the vaccination process throughout the country.
(END) JCB/TMC/RMB
Published: 8/19/2021