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Peru: Health Min intends to start vaccinating people aged above 60 in June

Photo: ANDINA/Vidal Tarqui

08:59 | Lima, May. 1.

Peruvian Health Minister Oscar Ugarte has affirmed that the preliminary number of older adults vaccinated against COVID-19 on April 30 amounted to 47,732 nationwide —a figure more than double that obtained on the first day of immunization of citizens aged above 80.

"We are satisfied with this result on the first day. Today, we have exceeded the goal that we had initially set for ourselves. The figure reached today proves that there is a greater demand, expectation, and interest in vaccination," he said in remarks to TV Peru on Friday night.

The high-ranking official stated that —although the immunization of adults over 70 years of age began in Lima yesterday— in some regions the vaccination of people above 80 years still goes on.

"We are sure that in the coming weeks, it (immunization in regions) will be further expanded," he projected.

According to Ugarte, the Ministry of Health hopes to start the vaccination of adults over 60 years of age this June.

According to the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec), 4.15 million people over 60 years of age reside in Peru.

The Cabinet member affirmed that —although there are some adjustments to be made to the vaccination process— the march is taking place in an optimal way thanks to the joint participation of personnel from the health sector, the Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud), as well as the health services of the Armed Forces, Police, and the private sector.

"Mayors have also played an important role in offering safe spaces for immunization. As never before, we have worked in an articulated manner. This not only makes the work more efficient but also more effective," he emphasized.

Asked about the decrease in infections and mortality among physicians, Ugarte said that "we must be cautious when there are slight drops in the contagion curve.”

"There are some modifications in the curves, what remains is to wait. If in the coming weeks (the numbers of infections and deaths) begin to decrease, that would be good because (on the contrary) we may losing lives as of today," Ugarte expressed.

“Although this decreasing trend continues, the conclusion is no to sing victory as, in other countries, there is talk of the third and even the fourth waves," he added.

The minister also reaffirmed that President Francisco Sagasti's administration will ensure the next government at least 48 million doses to be administered in the remainder of the year.

(END) RRC/MVB

Published: 4/30/2021

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Peru: Health Min intends to start vaccinating people aged above 60 in June

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