But while some countries in the region have the highest coverage in the world, others lag behind.
Washington DC, April 20, 2022 (PAHO) – More than two-thirds of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have already received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while some countries have not even reached half of its population, said the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne, urging those who have not yet been vaccinated to be vaccinated and to ensure that their loved ones are also protected.
“COVID-19 vaccines work and are very safe,” the Director of PAHO said today at a press conference. “They are protecting the majority of people in our region from the worst consequences of COVID-19 infection,” she stressed.
After acknowledging the efforts of health workers, scientists, policymakers and individuals, Dr. Etienne highlighted that 14 countries and territories in the region have already reached the WHO goal of vaccinating 70% of their population before June 30, and that another eight countries have reached coverage above 60%.
The Director of PAHO highlighted that until this month, the PAHO Revolving Fund has delivered more than 141 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in collaboration with COVAX and with the support of donors.
However, although the supply of COVID-19 vaccines is now sufficient to meet demand throughout the Americas, some countries continue to lag behind.
In the Caribbean, less than 30% of people have received their first vaccination in Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia, and in Latin America, Guatemala, Guyana, and Paraguay have not yet reached 50% coverage .
PAHO is now working with countries to provide technical assistance to vaccination campaigns, as well as planning and communication support to help close the gaps.
But individuals also have a role to play, Dr. Etienne urged. “Vaccination is a family affair and it’s up to all of us to make sure our loved ones are protected,” she said.
“If you or a family member has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, please discuss your questions and concerns with your healthcare provider,” he added. The PAHO Director also urged countries to integrate their vaccination efforts against the new coronavirus into routine immunization campaigns. This will allow pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 along with flu and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, and also allow parents to get vaccinated while their children are protected against diseases such as measles and polio. .
Similarly, the emergency infrastructure that was put in place to get COVID-19 vaccines into people’s arms as soon as possible should also be harnessed to improve uptake of routine vaccination, making it “more convenient and accessible to people.” families catch up on all their vaccinations at once,” Dr. Etienne said.
The COVID-19 vaccination effort “has shown us that success is possible when countries and populations work together to embrace vaccines,” he said.
On the eve of Vaccination Week in the Americas, which begins this Saturday, Dr. Etienne also called on countries to redouble their efforts to reach at least 70% of their population with COVID-19 vaccines.
Older adults, people with pre-existing conditions, healthcare workers, and pregnant women should be the primary target of these campaigns, as they are the ones most at risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
“Let us use our knowledge and perseverance to protect as many people and save as many lives as possible,” he stressed.
Regarding the COVID-19 situation in the region, while the number of infections reported in the Americas fell by 2.3% in the last week and continues to decline, cases increased by 11.2% in North America. and they have also increased in the Caribbean.
Deaths are down 15.2% to 4,797, showing that vaccines are working well to protect people from hospitalization and death, Dr. Etienne noted.
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