The Ministry of Health Urges Booster Doses Every 6 Months for the Entire Population to Maintain Immunity: Latest Data Shows 120% Increase in COVID Cases

The Ministry of Health recommends booster doses at 6 months for the entire population, an essential measure to maintain immunity (Getty)

According to the latest data issued by the Argentine Ministry of Health, in the last 4 weeks there was a 120% increase in positive COVID cases. Given this situation, experts warn of the importance of administering booster doses and even advancing vaccination to the most vulnerable age groups to maintain immunity. Being that, according to estimates by the Argentine Society of Vaccinology and Epidemiology (SAVE), 33 million Argentines are in a position to access a new booster, after more than 6 months have passed since their last dose.

“It is important to maintain vaccination schedules and update vaccines for the prevention of this disease; It is also important to highlight that the pediatric population group, especially between 6 months and 5 years, is the least vaccinated,” said Dr. Miriam Rozenek, infectious disease doctor and geriatrician (MN 75773), Secretary of the Society’s Vaccine Commission. Argentina of Infectology (SADI).

Given this situation, experts recommend “following the vaccination reinforcement schedules, especially in the highest risk groups,” as stated in a statement from Pfizer. An action that is in line with what was expressed by the Ministry of Health.

Mass vaccination is the only way to control the disease and avoid serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations (Getty)

The health portfolio had advised that “the entire population receive a booster dose 6 months (minimum 4 months) from the last dose applied (regardless of the number of boosters previously received), continuing with successive booster doses with indication according to degree of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of becoming seriously ill.”

According to data provided by the National Ministry of Health, of the 1,480 cases of COVID-19 reported in the National Epidemiological Bulletin In epidemiological week 34 (from August 21 to 27), a jump was recorded to 3,187 cases in epidemiological week 37 (from September 11 to 17), a figure that translates into an increase of 120%. Meanwhile, regarding the curve of people hospitalized for COVID-19, the increase was recorded since the beginning of August, reaching “206 notifications per week.”

Given the rise in cases, the epidemiologist of the Ministry of Health, Analía Rearte, stressed that “it is essential to increase vaccination coverage, both against COVID and against flu, especially in vulnerable populations.” That is why “booster doses are necessary so that these populations remain protected against the risk of suffering serious illnesses and to prevent the consequences of the infection. Vaccines also help prevent the consequences of infection, that is, long COVID.”

Booster doses are essential not only to prevent infection, but also to avoid serious symptoms and long-term consequences. Gettyimages

That is why the recommendation focuses on people over 50 years of age, pregnant women and/or immunosuppressed people, as well as those over 6 months of age with underlying conditions such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, among others. The risk of suffering from severe COVID-19 increases in them.

“Many people have neglected their COVID-19 vaccine boosters, which we should not do. Although the health emergency has been declared over, it is clear that the pandemic continues and that the virus is installed throughout the world and continues to spread,” said Rozenek.

In this sense, the experts warned that “although due to the high initial coverage of vaccination against COVID-19, today the infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus does not usually entail the risks that it presented in the initial stages of the pandemic, There is a significant decrease in the administration of vaccination boosters, which represents a risk, especially in those over 50 years of age or with diseases that compromise their immunity and in pregnant women, who include the group called ‘high risk’ of serious illness.”

The pediatric population group, especially children from 6 months to 5 years, is one of the least vaccinated Getty

Likewise, the Ministry of Health of the Nation issued a recommendation that the entire population receive a booster dose 6 months (minimum 4 months) from the last dose applied (regardless of the number of boosters previously received); in addition to a booster every 6 months in people at ‘high risk’; booster dose at 6 months and with an annual immunization schedule for those at ‘intermediate risk’; and only one booster dose each year to those in the ‘low risk of severe disease’ segment

At the same time, they clarified that “people between 6 months and 49 years with non-immunosuppressive comorbidities, such as chronic diseases and obesity, and health personnel and strategic personnel are considered intermediate risk. Chronic diseases include respiratory, cardiovascular and diabetes, among others. While people at low risk of serious disease are those between 6 months and 49 years without underlying disease or comorbidity.”

“To maintain immunity, especially protect those who are most at risk of serious illness and complications (over 50 years of age, pregnant people and immunosuppressed patients, such as cancer patients, transplant patients, those living with HIV or those who have autoimmune diseases). “It is important to maintain high vaccination coverage, with the recommended boosters up to date,” added Rozenek.

Despite high initial vaccination rates, a decrease in the administration of boosters is observed (iStock)

In the words of the expert, the pandemic did not end but rather continues to evolve and “the virus continues to present modifications (mutations) such as the most recent EG.5. Therefore, it is so important to maintain vaccination schedules and update vaccines for the prevention of this disease; It is also important to highlight that the pediatric population group, especially between 6 months and 5 years, is the least vaccinated.”

According to SAVE estimates, 33 million Argentines have already received their primary immunization schedule for the prevention of COVID-19 and are in a position to access a new booster because more than 6 months have passed since their last dose.

“Only with good vaccination coverage against COVID-19 for the vast majority of the population can we hope to control the disease, without the complications that arose before vaccination was available. As with all vaccines, the effectiveness of a vaccine can be very good, but if it does not reach the arms of the population and remains in the refrigerator, it is of no use,” concluded Dr. Rozenek.

2023-09-27 03:10:35
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