Health, Nation

El Salvador exceeds the estimate of COVID-19 vaccination coverage

The vaccination strategy against COVID-19 has reached more than 70% coverage of the Salvadoran population with two doses. According to the authorities of the Ministry of Health (Minsal), a percentage that exceeded the estimate that the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed for the countries before the end of 2021.

In the region of the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has identified that 14 countries and territories in the Americas have vaccinated 70% of their populations, including El Salvador.

Hence, the Minister of Health, Francisco Alabi, highlighted the impact of having achieved this vaccination coverage.

“The direct impact is a decrease in the number of complications that the population may have. The countries that have higher vaccination coverage are countries that are going to have fewer adverse effects, and not only those with a higher level of coverage, but also those that started in a timely manner, as El Salvador did. In less than a year, reaching 70% of the population vaccinated demonstrates the solidity of this strategy and the commitment we have for the well-being of Salvadorans, “said Alabi.

“I am a doctor, wife, mother, and grandmother. I couldn’t wait to get vaccinated, I was so anxious for my well-being and that of my 95-year-old mother. Please don’t delay, get vaccinated today. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective and are the best way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from this virus.” — The director of PAHO, Carissa Etienne, urged the population that has not been vaccinated to do so, to prevent health complications due to COVID-19.

Dr. Etienne pointed out that reaching a high coverage of all people is possible as long as they come to be vaccinated in a timely manner.

“COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are the best way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from this virus” — she stressed.

In El Salvador, people as young as six years old can receive the respective doses according to the schedule established by age.

Everyone over 18 years of age can receive the third dose of the vaccine against COVID-119.

The health authorities have arranged 160 vaccination centers nationwide, including three self-services (one in each area of ​​the country), in addition to the megacenter of the El Salvador Hospital. Similarly, mobile days continue, as do house-to-house vaccination modalities in which an appointment is not needed to be vaccinated.