20 July 2021
Bolivian Government will analyze applying the Cuban vaccine in children under 18 years of age in the country
The Minister of Health, Jeyson Auza, reported that the Central Government will evaluate the possibility of carrying out an immunization plan against Covid-19 in the 12 to 17 years-old group if studies on the Cuban vaccine Abdala are successful.
“We will take the necessary determinations to guarantee vaccines in case these studies are successful,” said the Minister in contact with Bolivia Tv. However, he clarified that this possibility should be analyzed and planned after the studies, carried out by Cuban scientists in the child and adolescent population, have concluded.
Authorities of Cuba reported that analysis with clinical tests of the study called “Ismaelillo” was initiated on a population of 600 children and adolescents to determine the efficacy of the Cuban vaccine Abdala against Covid-19 in this population group. The final results are expected to be available in September.
Reactions on social networks did not wait. “That vaccine is not finished, perhaps they want to use us as test guinea pigs,” was one of the comments of Zenaida Yessica Ortega.
On the other hand, the health authorities highlighted the massive influx of people to the vaccination points this weekend, in different regions of the country.
The National Director of Epidemiology, Freddy Armijo, pointed out that a large part of the population that resisted immunization is now attending [to the vaccination points]. “It has had a positive effect, to raise awareness with vaccination to the population, although there is still a part that is resisting,” he said.
Armijo pointed out that if an accelerated rate of vaccination is maintained, in September most of the vaccinable population, over 18 years of age, will be covered. Subsequently, the possibility of vaccinating those under 17 years of age will have to be evaluated.
In the Municipality of La Paz, the massive vaccination day called “Vacunatón Unidos por la Salud y la Vida” (United Vaccination for Health and Life) had a great influx of people. The authorities described Sunday’s session as successful because they managed to immunize 72% of its vaccinable population.
For its part, Tarija also promoted vaccination this Sunday, as did Cochabamba and other regions of the country.
Santa Cruz applied 15,794 doses this weekend (10,624 on Saturday and 15,794 on Sunday). Vaccination continues today in 34 points of the city and in several points in the provinces.
