Vaccination against COVID-19 of minors aged 5-11 years might begin on January 18, 2022, following the arrival of the first batch of vaccine doses between January 15 and 17,
reported on Thursday.
"We have already received a document in which they (pharmaceutical companies) officially confirm the arrival of the vaccine in the country. The vaccine would be entering the country between January 15 and 17. It is possible that we would be starting the vaccination of this (age) group during the week of January 18 onwards," Jimenez stressed.
The Minsa official indicated that, if half of the 3.7 million doses acquired by Peru to vaccinate this age group arrive on the set date, the administration of the vaccine to all children will be massive.
"But if we get fewer doses, what we are going to do is split age groups into two-year brackets, which is what we are planning," she noted.
The director emphasized that as soon as the doses arrive, they will be distributed evenly nationwide to avoid the need for people to go to other places in search of the vaccine.
Moreover, Jimenez said that the 5-11 age bracket will be respected, although she did not rule out that children who are one week away from turning 5 can also get vaccinated.
Lastly, Jimenez announced that the entire procedure will be explained in the vaccination protocol for children from 5 to 11 years old. It has been drawn up by the
Health Ministry.