Lag persists in vaccination against COVID-19 in indigenous GT population

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Despite the fact that the indigenous people constitute 41.7% of the Guatemalan population according to the census carried out in the country in 2018, the vaccination rates in this group continue to be low compared to the mestizo population, as highlighted by the Data Laboratory .

DATA BY ETHNIC GROUP

The independent center, with data from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) until November 8, 2021, stated that the mestizo population has reached 53% of individuals with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine . Of this same group, 34% of its population has already completed the immunization scheme.

On the contrary, the Mayan population registered 16% of their community with at least one dose and only 8% with the complete scheme.

The laboratory report also states that the Garífuna population has achieved more favorable coverage, with 66% partially vaccinated and 45% with the complete scheme. Although it should be noted that, according to the 2018 census, this group constitutes 0.1% of the country’s inhabitants.

Statistics highlight that the Xinka people are the furthest behind with only 7% of the population with one dose and just 4% with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This town comprises 1.8% of the Guatemalan population, according to the latest census.

16%

Of the Mayan population has registered at least one dose

8%

Of the Mayan population has registered complete scheme.

METROPOLITAN AREA IS THE MOST BENEFITED

Most of the mestizo population is concentrated in the department of Guatemala, this area in turn reports 36% of the doses administered in the country. This department is the only one that has exceeded 70% of coverage with one dose and 50% with the full scheme.

THE NUMBERS

Until November 21, the municipalities with the lowest population proportion in first and second doses are:

Concepción, Sololá:

2.3%
in 114 first doses
1.9%
in 93 complete schemes

Santa Barbara, Huehuetenango:

6.3%
in 1,829 first doses
2%
in 575 complete schemes

San Mateo Ixtatán, Huehuetenango:

8.5%
in 3,204 first doses
4.2%
in 1,601 first doses

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