Vaccination against COVID-19, challenges and challenges for the Honduran health system until May 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Within the worldwide efforts to reduce the rate ofinfection and mortality, vaccination against COVID-19 is determined as a safe and universal process. To guarantee the proportionate distribution ofvaccines, globalcollaboration (COVAX)hasbecome the primary strategy in the distribution of vaccines in countries such as Honduras, located among the 71 countries in the world that report the most confirmed cases and one of the lowest vaccination coverages in the Central American region, despite having one of the best cold chains in the Americas. In the following review, we will discuss the challenges faced in the process of vaccination against COVID-19 in the Honduran health system. Objectives: To determine the situation of vaccination against COVID-19 in Honduras and the challenges it presents. M ethodology Epidemiological analysis and strategies employedin the vaccination process against COVID-19up to epidemiologicalweek30, distribution of variants of concern, confirmed cases, and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 in Honduras. Results: Honduras has reached percentages of positivityandhospitalizations forCOVID-19similarto the peak of the pandemic in June 2020, men represent 54% ofdeaths, 48% ofdeaths are in the group between 60-79 years. The target population for vaccination in 2021 is 5 700 985 persons. In March 2021, a donation of48000vaccines (AstraZeneca)wasreceivedthrough COVAX to immunize healthcare personnel. A total of 9 212 597 doses have been received and are still in the process of being applied to prioritized groups with different levels of acceptance. As of August 16, 2021, 7 201 820 doses had been applied, distributed between first and second doses. Discussion: Honduras has one of the lowest rates of diagnostic tests performed and one of the lowest vaccination percentages in the Central American region. The cumulative case and mortality rates per million population are 37 222 and 1 019, respectively. The percentage of positivity in the year 2021 has increased. The Central-South zone of the country has become the epicenter of the pandemic with the highest number of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The highest percentage of deaths is in men and the 60-79 age group. It is specified that by 2022 all Hondurans can be vaccinated. Conclusion: Although the vaccination process is gradually developing, there are still many challenges in terms of immunization, increasing the workload of health personnel. Distancing, mandatory use of masks, and frequent hand washing remain fundamental pillars of prevention, limited by extreme poverty and a subsistence economy. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.