The program includes two doses of the Chinese-produced Sinovac, with an interval of 28 days, explained the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).

According to the Ministry, scientific evidence shows that the vaccine is effective and safe for this population.

‘We take into account world evidence and international recommendations’, said the head of the MSP, Ximena Garzón, when announcing the beginning of the campaign for minors.

The process will be carried out progressively, with the support of medical brigades, in schools and health centers and requires allowance from parents.

In the case of children from five years old, the shuts against Covid-19 are planned for next November, once the program is concluded with the six to 12 years old group.

An indispensable requirement will be to have completed the regular schedule, which includes booster vaccines to prevent Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus, as well as Poliomyelitis.

As of October 14, a total of 10 million 32 thousand 731 people have been immunized in this South American country, with a population of 17 million 751 thousand 271 inhabitants, which represents a coverage of 62.33 percent.

Likewise, 11 million 313 thousand 428 received the first dose, for 70.28 percent of the inhabitants.

The MSP said it expects to have 85 percent of the population immunized against the disease by the end of this year.

The vaccines used are Sinovac, Pfizer and AstraZeneca, in two stages, and the single-dose CanSino.

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