Covid-19 Vaccination Coverage in Cordoba: Boosters Needed and Variants of Concern

Only 17 percent of Cordobans over five years of age have reinforcements in their vaccination schedules against Covid. With a rebound in cases as a result of the entry of the JN.1 variant, the data shows a vulnerability, particularly in risk groups such as the immunocompromised and the elderly.

According to the report from the provincial Ministry of Health, in the last 4 weeks there has been an increase compared to the “previous four weeks” with an average of 144 cases per week and a moving average of 34 per day. “It is important to highlight that compared to the same period of the previous year, a significant decrease is observed,” the report measures.

And there was one death, the first of the year due to Covid. She was an 89-year-old woman, with comorbidity and an incomplete vaccination schedule against Covid-19, who died in an establishment in the interior of the province.

In addition, there were between three and five boardings per week. In all cases, with incomplete schedules or without vaccine boosters.

Laura López, Undersecretary of Health Strategies and Access to Health, highlighted the relevance of vaccination to avoid severe symptoms: “In recent weeks, after the communication about the increase in covid cases at the national level, an increase in the number was observed. of doses applied in the province compared to previous weeks. However, a large part of the population has not yet received its booster dose and coverage is far below optimal values.”

In the group of those over 60 and up to 69 years of age, 38.8 percent of the population has boosters, while among those between 70 and 79 years of age there is the highest percentage of immunized with more than two doses: 44.14 percent..

The primary regimen – two doses – is present in 86.8 percent of the population, but a good part of that number of people has not had an injection for almost two years. In the age group of boys and girls who go to primary school (5 to 11 years old), only two thirds of the total were covered with two doses. In high traffic places such as schools, this can be a problem when school activities resume.

In that same group, only 1 percent have a booster and among adolescents aged 12 to 17, only 5 percent have at least three doses.

The age groups that have greater mobility – the bulk of the economically active population – have high primary coverage, but lack sufficient reinforcement. For example: the 40 to 44 year old group has 96 percent coverage with two doses, but it does not reach 20 percent with boosters. And in the 35 to 39 age group that proportion is 15 percent.

Risk populations

“People belonging to groups that are at high risk of developing severe forms of the disease (those who are 50 years of age or older, people who are immunocompromised or pregnant) should receive a booster dose against Covid-19 six months after the dose given. The indication must be followed regardless of the amount of reinforcements previously received.” This is the current health indication for reinforcements.

If a person for some reason needs to get the booster before 6 months, they can do so; but in all cases it is necessary that at least 4 months pass since the last application.

At the same time, it is indicated that those who have a medium risk of developing severe disease should receive a new booster six months after the last dose administered, and subsequently an annual booster. This group includes: those under 50 years of age with comorbidities, chronic diseases and obesity; health personnel; and people who fulfill strategic functions, because they have a higher risk of exposure.

People considered at low risk of complications (that is, those under 50 years of age without comorbidities) have a booster vaccination against Covid-19 available, and it is recommended that it be applied annually.

“It is also recommended that the population over 65 years of age go to the vaccination center to verify if their pneumococcus regimen is complete, to anticipate cold climates and reach that moment with adequate protection,” stated Health.

The Covid-19 booster doses – and all those on the official calendar – are free and are available in more than 800 vaccinations in the province, between public hospitals, primary health care centers, private and social security providers, among which there are private clinics and union and social work headquarters. In the city of Córdoba, the central Vaccination Center of the old San Roque Hospital was remodeled and expanded, which is open from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Who is tested

The health portfolio recommends that people with respiratory symptoms, especially those over 50 years of age or who have risk factors, consult their health center in a timely manner and not go to their workplace or crowded places.

“In relation to testing for Covid-19, it is important to remember that at this stage the approach is focused on people with respiratory symptoms and who are in the groups at risk of developing the disease seriously, or groups with greater exposure. . Always within the framework of a medical consultation at a health center so that the professional can evaluate whether other differential diagnoses such as influenza or dengue are necessary,” Ministry sources explained.

2024-01-25 20:03:16
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