COVID-19 | Three mandatory doses: Does the new measure contradict other health actions of the Government? | Minsa | Ministry of Health | Vaccination | Vaccines | Coronavirus | PERU

In the coming days, a supreme decree will require that everyone over 18 years of age have the three doses of the vaccine against him COVID-19 to enter public and private establishments.

READ ALSO | COVID-19: crisis in the Minsa, less fear of the virus and other causes for empty vaccination centers

Although this measure may lead to an increase in the vaccination rate, which in recent months has suffered a worrying drop, specialists consulted by Trade they consider that by itself it is insufficient, since it is necessary that it have complementary actions and form part of a broad and solid strategy.

“It is not that this decision is bad, but by itself it is not enough. This measure must be part of a conglomerate of actions. Before requiring the third dose, there is an obligation to vaccinate people, to improve the vaccination system and the conditions in which this entire campaign is carried out”says Juan Villena, director of the Academic Department of Human Medicine of the National University of San Marcos.

For Óscar Ugarte, former Minister of Health, with the obligation of the third dose the government seeks to make amends for a fault he has been committing since February: not prioritizing the complete vaccination schedule.

“a serious mistake [por parte del Gobierno] has been giving a bad message about vaccination. Because of this, people think that two doses are enough, and this is not the case. The protective effects of the second dose wear off after three to four months. What the State is doing now is correcting that error, with something that is appropriate: demanding the third dose”Ugarte thinks.

The specialist maintains that this positive measure contradicts the previous actions that the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has taken, such as the closure of vaccination centers, the reduction of health brigades, the reduction of the budget and the closure of temporary care centers. Also, he emphasizes that is missing, mostly, “information and an intensive campaign to explain to people that two doses are not enough”. “If there is no underlying message, even if they extend the opening hours at the vaccination centers, people will not go. We will not have the vaccinations that we had before”he comments.

READ ALSO | COVID-19: Minsa spokesperson points out that in the decrease in vaccination “there is a co-responsibility between us and the population”

Regarding whether this obligation will affect shops and businesses, Juan José Calle, director of the Association of Shopping Centers of Peru, points out that there is “all the will to support the Government in vaccination”. However, he considers that some responsibility is to be relegated to the private sector.

“This measure clearly seeks to speed up the vaccination process, which has had a huge slowdown. Shopping centers have made important vaccination centers available in the country and that is why we realize that there is a severe decline in the application of the third dose. That intention is good and we will support it. However, once again, control of people is being transferred to the private sector: the Government requires us to control vaccination cards when entering shopping centers”declares Calle.

Both Villena and Ugarte agree that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Proof of this is China, a country that is experiencing a new wave of outbreaks.

“The virus respects no one. It has already been detected in Peru BA.2 subvariant of omicron, which is 50% more contagious than the previous subvariant. The problem is serious.”Ugarte points out.

fewer restrictions

Several congressmen of the Republic, among them Alexander Caverosent a letter to the Government to request the lifting of the restriction on the use of masks in open spaces and the obligation to present the vaccination card to enter the various establishments.

READ ALSO | Third compulsory dose from the age of 18: how does this measure start, the possible sanctions and in which places will it be required?

“Peru must be in line with the majority of countries. Today we have about 76% vaccination. It is higher than the percentage that, for example, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands has, even higher than the one that the US has. These countries do not require the mandatory use of masks outdoors ”Cavero refers to this Journal.

“The Peru, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Ghana, Myanmar, Georgia, Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Panama they are the only countries that maintain the total restriction on the use of masks outdoors ”details the congressman.

Regarding the use of the vaccination card to enter commercial spaces, Cavero indicates that in developed countries this type of document is not required to enter premises where essential products are sold. “The trend is to eliminate that requirement”emphasizes the legislator.

Another controversial measure

The Minister of Education, Rosendo Serna, raised eliminate social distancing of one meter in school classrooms and therefore allow schools to function with a 100% capacity.

Ana de Mendoza, representative of Unicef in Peru, he said that it is necessary to eliminate social distancing in schools and ensure that classrooms have full capacity.

READ ALSO | Utility Guide for Back to School

“Peru is one of the few countries in the region that maintains the distance restriction of one meter [en los colegios]. Uruguay eliminated it last year, then Argentina, Chile, Colombia. In none of these countries have there been massive outbreaks of COVID-19. It is important that all children return to school as soon as possible, in a normalized way”commented.

For Raul Urquizodean of the Medical College of Peru, the proposal is not adequate yet, as vaccination rates against COVID-19 in children remain very low. “Only 31% of children between 5 and 11 years old are vaccinated with two doses. It would be an unnecessary risk [el permitir el aforo al 100% en las aulas]”said the specialist.

RELATED VIDEO

IT MAY INTEREST YOU

–