Chile Begins 4th COVID-19 Vaccination... US Also Approaching

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Chile has become the first country in Latin America to start the 4th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

On the 10th (local time), Chilean President Sebastian Pi?era attended a session at a hospital in Santiago where two immunocompromised adults received their 4th dose.

President Pi?era said, "As time passes, the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases, and new variants also weaken the vaccine's power," adding, "It is very important to prepare in advance."

The initial vaccination target is immunocompromised individuals, but starting from the 7th of next month, the target will expand to all people aged 55 and older who have passed six months since their 3rd dose.

The Chilean government originally planned to start the 4th dose next month, but due to the rapid increase in daily confirmed cases caused by the spread of the Omicron variant, the schedule was moved up. The number of new confirmed cases in Chile on this day was 4,020.

Chile has been conducting COVID-19 vaccinations at a remarkably fast pace worldwide. Currently, more than 86% of the population has completed the 2nd dose, and 67% have received booster shots.

Israel was the first country in the world to start the 4th dose for immunocompromised individuals at the end of last year. It has now expanded the vaccination target to include seniors aged 60 and older and medical staff. The United States is also expected to begin the 4th dose for immunocompromised individuals as early as this week.