Medic receives first COVID-19 vaccine in Peru

BOGOTA, Colombia

A medical doctor was the first person in Peru to be vaccinated against COVID-19, local media reported Tuesday.

Dr. Josef Vallejos, who works at Arzobispo Loayza Hospital in the capital Lima, received the vaccine developed by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm after the first shipment of 300,000 doses arrived in the country on Sunday.

"I want to say that it is a historic day for Peru. I am happy that I was vaccinated," said Vallejos, noting that he felt good.

"I am an intensive care doctor, and symbolically they chose me to be vaccinated. I do not feel any pain," he added.

Authorities announced that health care workers and those in risk groups in the country will be vaccinated initially.

Peru has reported nearly 1.2 million coronavirus cases and over 42,000 deaths due to the virus. More than 1 million people have recovered.

Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti had earlier announced the vaccine shipment's arrival on Twitter.

Sagasti also got the COVID-19 vaccine, saying on Twitter: "Today, I have stood up for Peru to reaffirm that vaccines are healthy, safe, and save lives."

He added that vaccines are the best shield against the virus. "I am vaccinated with hope and confidence."