19 Oct 2022 – 17:32
What happened?
This Wednesday began the first phase of the vaccination process against monkeypox in the country, consisting of a two-dose scheme.
Inoculation began in the Metropolitan Region, in the San Juan de Dios and San Borja hospitals, which received the “Jynneos” vaccine from the Bavarian Nordic laboratory.
When will it arrive in other regions?
“Regarding progress towards other regions, the National Immunization Program is conducting training courses for the rest of the referral centers in each region,” said the Undersecretary of Public Health. Christopher Square.
“Vaccination will be available in the coming weeks, with a number of doses as needed. We are interested in reaching all parts of the country, “she added.
Furthermore, he stressed that “we managed to guarantee a sufficient quantity of doses which allow us to immediately start post-exposure prophylaxis, and then move on to other groups in advance “.
📺📡 NOW | Health authorities initiate the Monkeypox vaccination process aimed, in a first phase, at close contacts of confirmed cases who risk developing a serious disease.
https://t.co/KIdrN00IQF– Ministry of Health (@ministeriosalud) October 19, 2022
Who should be vaccinated?
Initially, the process will be focused on the population at riskthen switch to other groups.
Specifically, this first phase is only targeted close contacts of confirmed cases with monkeypox and that are also people with HIV, pregnant at any stage of pregnancy or immunosuppressed people.
In the latter group, patients with transplant solid organ and bone marrow transplant; cancer patients being treated such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy; patients on hemo or peritoneal dialysis; and patients with autoimmune diseases they receive, biological treatments, small molecules, corticosteroids and others.
How are the two doses implemented?
The first dose should be applied by the first 14 days of contact. Ideally, the dose should be given within first four daysto prevent the onset of the disease.
Meanwhile, the second inoculation must be performed after four weeksonce contact has been made.
According to the Ministry of Health (Minsal), the monkeypox vaccine has been shown to be safe in risk groups and 85% effective in preventing or mitigating disease.
