The countries of the Americas have been notified of their first Covid-19 vaccine allocations through COVAX, a coalition led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to ensure access equitable, according to a press release Sunday from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).
In letters sent to its health authorities, some 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have been informed of the estimated dose allocation for the first phase of vaccine delivery, according to the PAHO statement.
The AstraZeneca vaccine will be supplied first, although the WHO is still under review for emergency approval. This approval is expected in a few days, according to PAHO.
“With more than 45 million confirmed cases and more than a million deaths, countries and territories across the Americas, especially the poorest, are experiencing an unprecedented health, economic and social crisis,” Carissa F. said. Etienne, director of PAHO.
“The start of vaccine delivery through the COVAX mechanism is a hopeful step in the fight against this virus and PAHO is proud to facilitate an effort that is urgent for our region.”
Delivery history: It is estimated that approximately 35.3 million doses will reach the Americas in this first stage and should reach their destination from the second half of February to the second quarter of 2021. Vaccine dose figures are subject to supply agreements and production capacity. in addition to the approval of the emergency use, it was called the PAHO statement.
Prior to the delivery of the vaccine, countries in the Americas participating in COVAX are now beginning preparations to receive and deploy the vaccines, according to PAHO.
Additional doses: In addition, four Latin American countries participating in COVAX were selected by an independent committee based on criteria for pandemic risk, impact and mortality rates in recent weeks to receive a limited number of doses of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine above the your assigned quota.
Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador and Peru will receive a total of 377,910 doses of the Pfizer vaccine which is expected to arrive in mid-February, subject to supply agreements.