Misinformation and queues on vaccination day

Baltina Soria, 74, with diabetes, thyroid problem and hypertension, was told, after hours of waiting and months of confinement, that there were only vaccines for older adults up to 64 years of age. To Paola Zegarra, whose 5-year-old boy asked insistently if they were going to vaccinate, informed him that the booster doses would not be given. To the rest of the people who yesterday, from six in the morning, formed a queue of two blocks outside the clinic from Magdalena, a municipal agent warned them that they would only serve residents and residents of the district.

This same scene was repeated in a large part of the almost 5,000 points established for the first day of the national vaccination day, which aimed to close gaps in immunization against diphtheria and other diseases. Yesterday, in the middle of the pandemic, children, older adults and entire families were affected by the lack of information, overcrowding, shortages and insufficient health personnel, as confirmed by La República and reported by the Ombudsman’s Office.

For many attendees, vulnerable people went from confinement to tumult and have been exposed to being victims of COVID-19, a product of the unclear message from the Ministry of Health (Minsa). “The vaccination should have been better planned, this could become a source of contagion“Said the concerned neighbors who came to the health center of Jesus Maria.

In that place, as in other Magdalena and San Miguel, tickets were handed out and the people who did not get vaccinated were registered, so that the dose could be assured today.

In the morning, the unfortunate death of an 82-year-old man was also recorded, who would have suffered a cardiac arrest after going to one of the vaccination centers from Line in search of immunization against diphtheria. According to a municipal spokesman, he was told that because of his age he could only be given the dose against influenza, so the victim withdrew from the premises and vanished in front of the Center for the Elderly.

There was no self-criticism

This week, after the death of two people by diphtheria, an immuno-preventable disease that reappeared after 20 years, the Minsa stressed the importance of getting vaccinated (or getting a booster), even for adults who have not done so in the past 10 years. However, on Friday, Vice Minister Luis Suárez clarified that children under 5 years of age, adolescents, pregnant women and older adults would be prioritized. This generated confusion and it was not until dawn that the sector issued a statement clarifying that, “in order to avoid crowds”, the posts would serve adults on another date (Monday to Saturday, by appointment).

This information did not reach the families in a timely manner, who, hours later, reported chaos also in Los Olivos, Villa María del Triunfo, Miraflores, Callao; and in the regions monitored by the Defense.

Even in the main square of Breña, the same Minister of Health, Pilar Mazzetti, recognized the large influx of attendees, but described the report of various problems as “exaggerated”. “At this point we were not expecting it. It’s real because everyone is scared and panic does more damage ”.

BunchesIn addition, he confirmed that there will be vaccination (not only against diphtheria) for adults throughout the week, whose appointment can be scheduled on the website or in person. For this, it also coordinates to open vaccination points at night. The Minsa adds that health centers vaccinate every day during their opening hours.

And he ruled out delays in the start of vaccination. However, in areas such as Carvajal Park, in La Victoria, residents warned otherwise.

It is urgent to correct errors

According to Matilde Cobeña, spokeswoman for the Ombudsman’s Office, although the population’s interest in taking care of their health has been shown, it is urgent to correct the deficiencies for the next days (such as today) and for the eventual arrival of the vaccine against COVID-19. “You have to extend the hours, do more campaigns, supply vaccines. Have things clear not a day before ”.

In the provinces there was also disorder

In La Libertad, long lines were reported in peripheral districts such as El Porvenir, La Esperanza, Florencia de Mora, and vaccines ran out quickly. In Lambayeque, disorder was observed at the health points. “With this attitude, we are vulnerable to COVID-19,” warned a representative of the Health management.

In Plaza San Pedro, in Cajamarca, the health point had no implements for its installation. In Cusco and Moquegua there was an agglomeration and a long wait. The Defensoría says that there were good practices in Tacna, but they were isolated.

Today continues vaccination for children, adolescents and pregnant women.

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