Peru: People aged 60 and above may be vaccinated in May

Photo: ANDINA/Diffusion

10:45 | Lima, May. 15.

Older adults aged 60 and over may already be vaccinated against COVID-19 in May, Peruvian Health Minister Oscar Ugarte has projected.

According to the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec), there are 4.15 million elders in the country, said the high-ranking official, adding that this population would be immunized against COVID-19 within two or three months.

"We hope that all of them (older adults) can be vaccinated by May," he told Canal N.

The Cabinet member recalled that immunization of this segment of the population began last week (people aged 80 and over). Then, it will continue with citizens aged 70 and above, and —finally— with those aged 60 and over.

For its part, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) will begin the vaccination of elders (aged 80 and above) on March 17.

The sector's head explained that the place designated for them to vote will be considered a vaccination center because these are spaces close to their homes. However, they will not be immunized on the general elections day (April 11, 2021).

Ugarte recalled that vaccination of older adults had begun with those affiliated to the Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud) as it was easy to identify them. Yet, he emphasized that it is not a requirement to be affiliated to any insurance system in order to be immunized, since the RENIEC roll will be considered for such purpose.

In this regard, he reiterated that Minsa will continue this week with vaccination at the elderly's shelters and homes, in addition to launching the immunization of adults over 80 years of age.

"EsSalud already started (with the process) last week. In the case of Minsa, it will start this week on the 17th (...)," he explained.

On the other hand, Ugarte assured that negotiations with Gamaleya Institute to acquire the Russian Sputnik V vaccine are advanced. Besides, he said that —according to the Russian Embassy— the laboratory has not any private representative in Peru.

He also indicated that Gamaleya requested the registration of Sputnik V in Peru.

(END) DOP/LIT/MVB

Published: 3/15/2021

Peru: People aged 60 and above may be vaccinated in May

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