Andina

Peru: People over 40 eligible for 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose

Photo: ANDINA/Eddy Ramos

Photo: ANDINA/Eddy Ramos

09:58 | Lima, Jun. 16.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has announced that eligibility for a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine would be expanded to the age group of 40 years and over.

The rollout of the fourth dose will be carried out according to the progress made in the vaccination coverage in each region across the country and in closing gaps.

Minsa stated that it continues to administer this dose to people above 18 years of age with comorbidities, as well as immunosuppressed patients and health staff.

The fourth jab will be given to those who have received the third dose at least five months ago.

"Minsa will continue to administer the corresponding doses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the population aged 5 years and older throughout the national territory," the statement concludes.

According to the latest report released by the COVID-19 Vaccination Situation Room, 63.7% of the general population has received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of June 15.

At the beginning of June, Executive Director of Public Health Surveillance at Minsa's National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Cesar Munayco explained that Peru is in a period between the third wave, which ended in March, and a potential fourth wave, which might begin in December, as was the case in previous years.

What determines the presence of a new COVID-19 wave? 

Minsa uses two criteria to determine the start of a new wave: the sustained increase in cases for more than five weeks and the increase in hospitalizations during that time frame.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of infections right now, but not an increase in hospitalizations," he said.

(END) NDP/RRC/RMB/MVB

Published: 6/16/2022