Peru begins COVID vaccination for 5-11 age group amid surge in cases

With the world's highest COVID-19 mortality rate, Peruvians have suffered more than most in the pandemic. And with the Omicron variant causing a sharp increase in infections, children are hit hard. Schools are shut, and many have fallen victim to the disease. But millions as young as five-year-old are now eligible to get vaccinated. The health minister says the number of children who test positive for COVID-19 is likely to rise. Health authorities have warned they are close to issuing a red alert, as there are only a few ICU beds left for children in the country.

Al Jazeera's Mariana Sanchez reports from the capital, Lima. - Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe - Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish - Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera - Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/

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