Peru's foreign minister has resigned, the second top official to step down amid a growing scandal over politicians receiving Covid-19 vaccinations well before the general public.

The South American nation has been badly hit by the pandemic, with its hospitals overwhelmed and a targeted vaccination programme for health workers rolling out only from February 8, according to Reuters.

Public resentment over officials receiving vaccinations — despite there being no date for a wider immunisation drive — has seen at least two government officials resign.

Peruvian media said that Attorney General Zoraida Avalos had opened a “preliminary investigation” against ex-president Martin Vizcarra and others responsible for the early vaccination of senior officials.