SANTIAGO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Chile's President Sebastian Pinera said Tuesday his government is looking at applying a third dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 to strengthen immunity among the population.
"We are analyzing and conducting many scientific studies to see if a third dose of vaccine is necessary, if appropriate," said the president at a public event held at the La Moneda Palace, the presidential headquarters.
"When we have completed these studies, we will make, as we have always done, the decision that best protects the health and life of our compatriots. We will make that decision soon," he said.
Some governments are considering a third dose to deal with new and more contagious variants of the coronavirus, such as the Delta, which has not yet been detected in Chile, but has been detected in neighboring countries.
Chile has fully vaccinated 62.6 percent of the target population (15 million people or 80 percent of the populace), while 79.5 percent of the target population has received at least the first dose.
The government hopes to immunize about 15 million people by midyear to achieve herd immunity. Enditem