Andina

Peru: People over 30 eligible for 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose

Photo: ANDINA/Carla Patiño

Photo: ANDINA/Carla Patiño

11:37 | Lima, Jul. 14.

A group of experts from the Ministry of Health (Minsa) decided to expand eligibility for the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 30 years and above, Health Minister Jorge Lopez announced on Thursday.

"The committee of experts (from Minsa) has conducted an assessment and realized that the coverage of the third dose (of the COVID-19 vaccine) has reached more than 70%. For this reason, eligibility for the fourth dose is being expanded to the population aged 30 and over," Lopez said in statements to Latina.

Nevertheless, he explained that people in this age group must first verify that they have received the third dose of the vaccine at least five months ago to get the fourth shot, as stablished by regulation.

According to Minsa's Immunizations Director Maria Elena Martinez, there is scientific evidence which confirms that the immunity capacity generated by the vaccine against COVID-19 starts to decrease after 4 months of getting the shot.

Likewise, she remarked that the emergence of new Omicron’s sublineages has triggered an increase in infections over recent weeks. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce vaccination —especially among the vulnerable population.

Furthermore, Martinez reported that vaccines used for the fourth doses are produced by Moderna and Pfizer, in accordance with the protocol established by this sector.

"Both are safe and of high quality," she pointed out.

For her part, infectious disease specialist at the National Health Institute (INS) Natalia Vargas underlined the need to get a fourth dose so as to be protected against the fourth wave.

As is known, Minsa announced the beginning of the fourth wave by end-June, taking into account the increase in cases due to the emergence of Omicron's sublineages and once it had been verified that the effectiveness of each vaccine decreases after 4 months of getting the shot.

"Let's remember that immunity decreases gradually. Thus, it is important, every so often, to receive a fourth dose (…)," Vargas emphasized in statements to Andina news agency.

(END) LIT/RMB/MVB

Published: 7/14/2022