Cuba's vaccination program against 14 diseases is being maintained amidst the battle against COVID-19. Only the application of the anti-polio and anti-flu vaccines was postponed, given the specific situation the country is facing due to the pandemic - but the doses are available and will be administered at a later date.
The news was recently announced by Dr. Francisco Durán, director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap), during one of his customary press conferences to provide updated information on the COVID-19 epidemic in Cuba and around the world.
Although some 20 million children in the world do not receive the vaccinations they need, the Cuban regimen of 11 vaccines, including eight produced nationally, is implemented by age group to maximize benefits.
Dr. Durán noted that while two scheduled vaccinations have been postponed, others are being administered to the appropriate age groups as planned. He noted that the population is accustomed to having the polio campaign completed by this date, but since the administration requires the mobilization of medical personnel and children must leave their homes, the decision was made to postpone this round, which will take place later this year.
Health Minister Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda, tweeted a message stating that, aware of the importance of Cuba’s solid National Immunization Program, Cuba joins the World Health Organization’s call for all people in the world to receive the vaccinations they need.
