The objective, according to the health agency, is to reduce serious complications and deaths in the population at higher risk of infection, such as children and the elderly.

The Ministry also detailed that the investment for the acquisition of 500 000 doses was eight million dollars and the first 250 000 vaccines arrived in the country this month have already been distributed, while the remaining injectables will arrive in the second half of this year.

Likewise, the Health Ministry specified that the vaccination will be carried out in the 1,975 Health Centers located in the 24 provinces of the country and the application of the doses also includes personnel and workers of the National Health System, police, active military, firemen and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PPL).

Caregivers of people with disabilities and pregnant women, regardless of pregnancy age, will also be included.

Last March, in declarations to Radio Pichincha radio station, epidemiologist Marcelo Aguilar detailed that, although the number of cases has dropped considerably in the last months, it is important to vaccinate in this winter season which has caused an increase in gastrointestinal diseases and dengue.

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