Peru's Health Minister Oscar Ugarte has announced that the vaccination against COVID-19 of people with psychiatric conditions, rare diseases, and transplanted organs will begin on May 21, as in the case of people aged 65-69.
The Cabinet member pointed out that 790,000
Pfizer vaccine doses are due to arrive this week —the highest weekly total so far— which, he said, makes it possible to include additional comorbidities in the vaccination plan.
Therefore, the immunization of people with serious mental disorder, including individuals with psychiatric conditions (e.g. psychosis and bipolar disorder) and non-psychiatric conditions (such as cerebral palsy and autism), will begin this Friday.
The minister noted that the health centers —whether public or private— treating these patients shall provide guidance on the place and time of their vaccination, except in the case of cerebral palsy patients, who will receive the vaccine at home.
"It will be recommended that said patients bring their respective certificate to the vaccination site to ensure that they are enrolled in this comorbidity group," he added.
According to the government official, the vaccination location (at a site or at home) may vary in the case of patients with rare or orphan diseases and shall be coordinated with the associations they belong to or the institutions where they receive treatment.
In the case of people who have transplanted organs, the vaccination process will be linked to the establishments where they are treated, so their orientation will be easier, he indicated.
Asked about cancer patients, the health sector's head affirmed that they are next in line, adding that the vaccination modality will differ depending on the types of cancer and the patient's situation.
(END) RRC/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/20/2021