2021 could end without getting everyone vaccinated 26:23
(CNN Spanish) -
The designated secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Health, Carlos Mellado López, signed an administrative order this Tuesday that establishes that for the next 28 days the vaccination against covid-19 on the island will be exclusive to the population of older adults over 65 years of age.
“In the past few weeks, a vaccination program has been implemented with the limited vaccine resources that Puerto Rico receives.
The shortage of vaccines merits the establishment of priority in vaccination to protect the most vulnerable people and essential personnel to face the emergency caused by the covid-19 pandemic, "the administrative order explains.
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The order determines that, for the next 4 weeks, only people over 65 will receive their dose at all vaccination centers in Puerto Rico.
This excludes centers identified for the education system.
The order also clarifies that shifts for emergency personnel will be restarted when the vaccination of older adults is completed.
The Health Department reported that a group of inspectors in the vaccination centers will be in charge of validating the order of the established processes.
The stages of vaccination in Puerto Rico
Mellado called on the general public to respect and wait their turn to get vaccinated, according to the current phase.
Similarly, he emphasized that all vaccination requests must be addressed to the Department of Health.
This is the agency that leads public health efforts.
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“It is essential to establish clear vaccination standards to avoid inefficient use of vaccines and to promote the use of the vaccine in a way that saves lives.
The population of adults over 65 years of age is the most vulnerable and is the sector with the highest mortality rate due to the contagion of covid-19, “explains the order.
The Government of Puerto Rico plans to reach 178 nursing homes during this vaccination phase.
This stage lasts until March.
Specifically, there would be 75 centers in the north of the island, 37 in the east, 36 in the south and 30 in the west, according to a statement from the Department of Health.
The vaccination process against covid-19 in Puerto Rico began in December.
The Health Department says 339,000 vaccines have so far been distributed across the island.
In the first stage, they began to vaccinate health professionals, as well as other hospital and emergency workers.
Also those who work and live in shelters, nursing homes and other long-term care centers.
Stage B of this first phase includes police officers, emergency workers, employees of the Department of Education and others considered essential.
Stage C adds to those with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions.
Also to individuals with respiratory problems, kidney patients and those who are immunocompromised.
Coronavirus Vaccine
