National Academy of Sciences asks government to initiate vaccination process for undocumented immigrants • University Weekly

The National Academy of Sciences asked the government to initiate the vaccination process against SARS-2 virus for undocumented immigrants, as this group is one of the most vulnerable, and indicated that depriving them of the vaccine is a serious public health problem as it can facilitate community transmission, and the emergence of new variants Delaying the goal of achieving “herd immunity”.

A week ago, the government announced that immigrants in an irregular situation in the country would soon be vaccinated against Covid-19; However, the process has not started yet. During his visit today to the vaccination center in the City Mall in Alajuela, the media consulted the President of the Republic Carlos Alvarado, who indicated that “there is progress” and that there is a request for international support for its implementation. “Yes, progress has been made, but the settlement has not been completed,” the president declared.

Eight days ago, the government, jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, announced that they were analyzing the implementation of the plan and that the possibility of a vaccine donation was being explored.

The National Academy of Sciences of Costa Rica spoke about this issue and stated in a statement that in order to control the epidemic and ensure the well-being of the entire population, it is necessary to vaccinate as many people as possible, including those in irregular migration status.

“This group makes up a large proportion of the population and is among the most vulnerable, due to their socio-economic conditions, among other things. Denying them a vaccine is a serious public health problem and our hospital system. The academy noted that it can facilitate societal transmission, the emergence of new variables and delay the goal of achieving “herd immunity”.

In order for the vaccination of such persons to be possible, the administrative procedures in the vaccinations must be more flexible. They added that we must assure them that their personal information will not be shared with the immigration authorities so that they do not fear that they will be vaccinated.”

Over the past week, 230,383 doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine have been applied and July is the month in which more vaccines (983,893 doses) have been administered, according to data from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).

According to the president, “Every vaccine is important and we see it today by saying that 50% of our total population already has at least the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. This data is for the entire population. If we count the target population for vaccination, which is just over 4 million, we Already at 60% with at least the first dose.”