From now on, COVID-19 vaccinators will have to show the syringe —filled with the vaccine— to patients before its administration, the
Ministry of Health (Minsa) announced on Tuesday.
After a possible theft of vaccines reported at health centers in the capital city, the ministry held a press conference to state that —from now on— vaccinators will have to show the syringe containing the corresponding dose before its administration.
"The protocol clearly states that health workers have to show the syringe to the person receiving the vaccine. If the person is accompanied by a relative, the personnel must show it to the companion before proceeding to the inoculation," Minsa's spokesperson, Arturo Granados, explained.
According to Granados, if health professionals administering the vaccine do not adhere to this procedure, the family or patient can make a complaint, which shall be handled immediately.
"This will help us all to further strengthen the double-checking by the staff in charge of the procedure and —on the other hand— the individuals who will be vaccinated against COVID-19," he remarked.
Three cases reported
The official said that three complaints have been filed, alleging that the health staff did not administer the corresponding dose of the vaccine or injected air into the patient.
"The people involved in these cases have been fully identified, as well as the places: the Vacuna Car (vaccination drive-thru) post at the National Agrarian University La Molina, the vaccination site at Chancas Stadium in Santa Anita district, and the vaccination site at Campo de Marte Park (in Lima)," Granados added.
The names of the people involved in these cases will be kept confidential until their responsibility is established.
(END) KGR/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/11/2021