Chile and its successful COVID-19 vaccination program

With 3,037,063 doses administered as of February 23, Chile is at the forefront of vaccination against COVID-19 in Latin America, and 5th in the world ranking of doses administered per 100 people, according to data published by Our World Data from Oxford University.  

Reasons for success  

A few months had passed since the beginning of the pandemic, and the Chilean government was already working on agreements with international laboratories, ensuring the necessary doses to inoculate a good part of the population (which today reaches 19 million people). One of the key factors in these negotiations was Chile's initiative to participate in Phase 3 clinical trials for the different vaccines. 

In addition, Chile has a well-developed healthcare network throughout its territory, which facilitates access for people living in both urban and rural areas. Patients go to their local clinics to get vaccinated, and additional vaccination centers have been opened to cope with increased demand and avoid crowds. The private sector has also played an important role, with airlines transporting vaccines and distributing them throughout the country.  

Furthermore, since 1978, Chile has successfully worked a solid national vaccination plan, deeply rooted in the population.   

According to the Ministry of Health, and following a strict vaccination schedule, the goal is to inoculate about five million people - more than a quarter of its population - by the end of March, and 80% of the inhabitants by the end of June, through this voluntary and free program.