The safety committee of the European Medicines Agency has confirmed this Wednesday the “possible relationship” between the vaccine against covid-19 and has therefore established that these adverse events should appear on the list of “very rare” side effects. “of the vaccine. Subsequently, the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System made the decision that the AstraZeneca vaccine would be a change that alters the , but that could be positive because it focuses on the immunization of the elderly.
Who will now receive the AstraZeneca vaccine: general population between 60 and 65 years
AstraZeneca’s vaccine was currently being administered to the general population between 55 and 65 years of age and to essential professionals of any age. Specifically, second-line health personnel, social health workers and employees of penitentiary institutions (group 3); and also active groups with an essential function for society, who are armed forces personnel or teachers (group 6).
However, the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, in which the central government and the autonomous communities participate, made the decision that AstraZeneca be administered only to the population over 60, sine die paralyzing the immunization of minors of this age. A change that leaves some 2,154,675 people under the age of 60 with a single dose.
What happens to essential professionals who have received the first dose of AstraZeneca
The suspension of vaccination for those under 60 years of age is indefinite. Thus, it remains to be resolved what will happen to the 2,154,675 who have already received the first dose. The ministry has not yet resolved this problem, however, there are several studies that suggest that a single dose provides 70% protection. In addition, other scientific studies have indicated that the administration of the drug can be delayed for several months (what is established by the pharmaceutical company is up to 12 weeks). possible population.
The AstraZeneca vaccine for people over 65?
The first doses of AstraZeneca that arrived in Spain began to be administered to those under 55 years of age because there were not enough studies to confirm the effectiveness of the drug in the elderly. However, the latest research carried out ensures that AstraZeneca is also effective in the elderly. In fact, France or Great Britain is running it. A possibility to which it seems that Spain is going to join.
“The AstraZeneca vaccine is going to be given, the agreement is, for people over 60 years of age,” said Carolina Darias, Minister of Health, on Wednesday, in relation to the fact that the current upper limit for this vaccine is 65. Despite this It is increasingly plausible that vaccination could also be opened to people over 65. It is a thesis that Fernando Simón, the director of the CCAES, also maintained this Monday, who said that it was very likely that in a very short time this vaccine could be proposed for older than 65 years.
AstraZeneca for the gap between 65 and 70 years
The objective of vaccinating 70% of the population by the end of the summer is still very present. However, what is really important is what will happen in the coming months (April, May and June): older people will be vaccinated. In this way, if the green light is given to administer AstraZeneca to the elderly 65 years of age would facilitate rapid immunization of people who are most at risk of dying from covid-19.
It should also be noted that if this barrier were overcome, a gap that exists in the vaccination strategy would be solved. Vaccination is currently being completed for those over 80 years of age and starting for those over 70. And, meanwhile, the population between 65 and 60 years of age is being vaccinated below. Thus, if AstraZeneca is approved for all the elderly, it would allow those over 70 years of age to be vaccinated faster and the gap between 65 and 70 years of age.
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