Costa Rica's vaccination campaign against covid-19 has applied over 10.1 million doses, according to Social Security records.

More than 4.3 million people have received their first dose, including over 293,000 children between 5 to 11 years old. 

Authorities also report that more than 3.9 million people completed their two-dose treatment, including over 169,000 children.

More than 1.8 million people have received their booster shots. People over 18 years old are eligible for the booster or third dose, but only if four months have passed since getting their second dose. 

Costa Rica’s total population is about 5.1 million inhabitants. Authorities are closing in on their herd immunity goal of at least 82 % of the adult population. That means over 4.2 million fully-vaccinated people.

The covid-19 vaccination campaign for over 5 years old people, includes nationals, tourists, residency DIMEX cardholders and immigrants regardless of immigration status living in Costa Rica. People interested in more information about the vaccination program, should call the Social Security Covid line 905-225-2000 or visit the Covid Vaccination Campaign website.

Costa Rica has made the vaccine against covid-19 mandatory for all youth. It is now a requirement and included on the immunization records for children. This goes along with vaccines against other viruses such as Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Streptococcus, Pneumoniae, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Rotavirus, Haemophilus, Measles, Rubella, Mumps and Varicella. The shots don’t stop there, as all girls born female over the age of 10 must get the papillomavirus vaccine.

 

Accessing the vaccine has not been an issue for inoculating people living in Costa Rica, especially since vaccines are available all over the country. As of Friday, the country has imported more than 12 million vaccines. Of these more than 3.7 million doses have been donated by friend countries and corporations.

France donated more than 200,000 Pfizer vaccines. Spain has donated more than 1.5 million vaccines. The United States has donated more than 1.5 million doses. Canada has donated more than 300,00 doses. The Dominican Republic donated more than 50,000 vaccines. Austria donated 50,000 doses. In addition, AstraZeneca donated more than 31,000 of its doses and Pfizer donated about 130 of its vaccines.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health reported 8,266 deaths listed as covid-19 related, approximately a 1% death rate. The pandemic has killed over 6 million people worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.

 

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How close is your country to reaching herd immunity against covid-19?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com