Andina

Peru: Entire population expected to be vaccinated by December 2021

Photo: ANDINA/Minsa

Photo: ANDINA/Minsa

13:00 | Lima, Jul. 1.

Health Minister Oscar Ugarte has estimated that the entire eligible population of Peru will be vaccinated against COVID-19 by December this year if the current vaccination rate is maintained.

"I am sure that we are able to vaccinate the entire (eligible) population —not only Peruvians but also foreign residents in the country— by December (2021)," he said in statements to RPP radio and TV station.

In this regard, the minister pointed out that the vaccination rate is quite fast, adding that a significant number of COVID-19 vaccine doses are being supplied to the country.

In this sense, he noted that Peru has received over 11 million vaccines so far and is awaiting the arrival of an additional 8 million doses in July.

"Another 8 million doses of the vaccine are expected to be supplied during July. Therefore, the (vaccination) goal goes up, and we are dedicated to making this happen," he insisted.
 
The high-ranking official revealed that the Ministry of Health (Minsa) will shortly launch the COVID-19 vaccination plan for 2021.

"This will be done on the grounds that we are already receiving confirmation of arrival of vaccines," he said.

After confirming that more than 3 million people have been vaccinated with two doses, Ugarte affirmed that Peru will meet the goal of fully immunizing over 4.5 million people against COVID-19 before July 28 this year.

Return to in-school classes

On the other hand, he did not rule out students' early return to in-school classes, taking into account that the vaccination of minors (aged 12-17) and teachers has been confirmed for 2021.

(END) LIT/RMB/MVB

Published: 7/1/2021