Since the beginning of its administration in Peru on April 2, more than 2 million people have already received the fourth dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 in the South American country.
People aged 40 and above and the vulnerable population, starting at 18 years old, already receive it.
Minsa specialists explain below why it is necessary to receive the latest dose, as well as what scientific evidence says about its safety and effectiveness.
Likewise, the official said that the appearance of Omicron variant's new sublineages has triggered an increase in infections over recent weeks. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce vaccination —especially among the vulnerable population.
"Given this situation, we must protect vulnerable groups, those over 50 to 70 years old. The virus is beating us because we see that there are people who are not completing (the vaccination scheme), and they become unprotected once immunity has expired," Martinez warned.
"(However,) If they are protected, they can cope with a mild illness like a cold (...)," she added in statements to Andina news agency.
Which vaccines are applied in Peru?
"Both are safe and of high quality," she pointed out.
The Minsa official clarified that those who visit vaccination centers in search of the fourth dose must have allowed 5 months to pass after the administration of the third dose. Otherwise, it will not proceed.
"Five months must have passed, this information is based on scientific research," she noted.
Similarly,
Martinez explained that all those who have completed receiving the third dose last January should go for the next dose in the following days.
The administration of a fourth dose is only allowed among people aged 40 and above, health personnel, and immunosuppressed people.
Moreover, the official reminded citizens that Peru is carrying out one of the most extensive vaccination processes in South America, ranking third in the region, after Chile and Uruguay —in terms of percentage of the population protected against the new coronavirus.
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"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.