Peru's Health Min: Gov't to leave 50 million COVID-19 vaccines for next administration

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Health of Peru

12:01 | Lima, Jul. 3.

The Transition and Emergency Government will leave 50 million doses against COVID-19 for its successor, as well as letters of intent addressed to three companies for 2022 over a batch exceeding 60 million doses, Health Minister Oscar Ugarte confirmed on Saturday.

The high-ranking official pointed out that leading a governmental transition process is always a major challenge.

In this sense, the Cabinet member recommended that the management teams, aimed at fighting COVID-19 and vaccinating citizens, should stay in office.

"Replacing them would be senseless," he noted.

Likewise, the minister indicated that in the coming days his office will present a vaccination plan thru the end of the year.

Letter of intent

Furthermore, Minister Ugarte mentioned that the Health Ministry will leave signed letters of intent for vaccine purchases from three laboratories: Moderna, Johnson & Johnson (5 million), and Gamaleya (20 million).

The minister went on to add that there are pending deals which might be completed in July.

In addition, the official pointed out that the government's initial goal was to vaccinate 4.5 million people by July 28 —the day on which President Francisco Sagasti's term in office ends. However, that figure will be surpassed ahead of time.

Ugarte also stated that an additional 8 million vaccines will arrive in Peru by the end of this administration —along with the 11 million already received doses.

"These vaccines will be joined by other important batches, either donated or as part of the contracts that are being signed with various companies, which make a total of 65 million vaccines and something else, in favor of the country," he concluded.

#PongoElHombro ???? | Ciudadanos de 54 y 55 años comparten su experiencia tras recibir su primera dosis de la vacuna contra la COVID-19.

? Seguimos vacunando a personas mayores de 50 años en Lima Metropolitana y Callao.

? Consulta tu fecha programada en https://t.co/FMfPvIH3kQ pic.twitter.com/yBuz8dxnEH
— Ministerio de Salud (@Minsa_Peru) July 3, 2021

(END) KGR/MVB

Published: 7/3/2021

Peru's Health Min: Gov't to leave 50 million COVID-19 vaccines for next administration

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