Andina

Peru: COVID-19 vaccination of 23 and 24-year-olds began today

13:07 | Lima, Sep. 21.

The COVID-19 vaccination of people aged 23 and 24 began on Tuesday, September 21, in Metropolitan Lima and Callao, thanks to the availability of vaccines. Moreover, tuberculosis patients will be protected starting today, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has reported.

Minsa's Immunization Director Gabriela Jimenez emphasized that the 23-24 age group living in the Peruvian capital reaches 344,386 people.

Additionally, she recalled that 2,120,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered last week, and that nearly 9,500,000 people have received both doses, so they are more protected from the virus.

"On average, 300,000 doses a day have been administered across the country," she explained.

The official remarked that Minsa has decided to introduce new age groups due to the presence of COVID-19 variants in the country. This will help intensify the vaccination drives and increase the number of protected people.

Those aged 22 who turn 23 years old by December 31 this year can also be inoculated. Jimenez clarified that this is a pattern that has been used during this vaccination process. 

Furthermore, she reiterated the call to get vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Minsa's immunization director underscored that the challenge for the health sector remains to close gaps in the second dose vaccination of people aged 50 and above.

Protecting a new vulnerable group

On the other hand, the launch marking the COVID-19 vaccination of tuberculosis patients is scheduled for today. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting this vulnerable group.

(END) NDP/LIT/RMB/MVB

Published: 9/21/2021