The Ministry of Health reported that the vaccination process against covid-19 is progressing steadily in the country and that the placement of the expected fourth dose, as is happening in the United States, Chile and Israel, began to be applied this week. in a focus group. Find out in this note who can receive it and what requirements they must meet.
“Starting this week, Peru began the application of the fourth dose of the covid-19 vaccine to patients diagnosed with cancer, in accordance with the recent immunization protocol issued by the Ministry of Health (Minsa),” said Víctor. Palacios, executive director of Cancer Prevention and Control of the Directorate of Strategic Interventions in Public Health of the Minsa.
In an interview with the Agency Andina explained that the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends its application to people with cancer because their immune system is depressed and vulnerable to any type of infection, such as covid-19, which could aggravate their health.
Since June of last year, he has been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 to more than 80,000 Peruvians with cancer throughout the country, which has allowed us to offer them a better quality of life.
The specialist indicated that, for the moment, this is the only group that can be immunized with a fourth dose of the covid-19 vaccine, since there is scientific evidence to support its application.
“Last week we made official the vaccination protocol against covid-19 for patients with oncological diseases on a national scale. We are guided by recommendations from other countries such as United States, Chile and Israel and the compilation of scientific evidence for the application of the fourth dose”, he stated.
Can all cancer patients receive the fourth dose?
Palacios pointed out that this second booster dose can be received by those patients who are undergoing active cancer treatment, have recently been diagnosed with said disease or are about to start their oncological treatment.
Likewise, patients who have received bone marrow transplant with no more than two years after having been transplanted or until the end of immunosuppression therapy.
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When should the fourth dose be applied?
The doctor stated that after five months Having received their third dose, the cancer patient must receive the fourth dose against covid-19 in order to raise immunity to face the virus.
From what age can they approach to vaccinate?
According to the authorized protocols, immunization with the fourth dose is from 12 years of age onwards depending on what your treating doctor indicates. The vaccine that is being applied to cancer patients is Pfizer and the Minsa has a sufficient number of vaccines to distribute them nationwide and meet the objective of immunizing this group of people.
What document must be carried to be vaccinated?
For the application of the fourth vaccine against covid-19, the cancer patient must go to the vaccination center with a document or indication from their doctor indicating that they are suitable for immunization.
Why is a fourth dose so important to cancer patients?
The scientific community has observed that cancer patients vaccinated against covid-19 generate fewer neutralizing antibodies compared to people who are not cancer patients. In addition, immunity against covid-19 lasts less time in these patients, so it is a priority to protect them against a possible infection.
“The patient with cancer vaccinated against covid-19 generates fewer antibodies and their duration is shorter, which is why the aim is to intensify the doses and shorten the times between vaccine and vaccine,” Dr. Palacios told the Agency. Andina.
What are the secondary reactions that could exist?
Reactions that could occur after vaccination are soreness where the vaccine was given, sore lymph nodes in the armpit, tiredness, fever, headache, or muscle aches. They are all temporary effects and tend to go away in a day or two.
Which patients would not receive the fourth dose?
Patients who have more than six months after completing cancer treatment will not receive this fourth dose against covid-19, because the groups most susceptible to contracting SARS-CoV-2 disease are being prioritized, such as patients currently receiving treatment for cancer.
Where can cancer patients go to get vaccinated?
Palacios reiterated that they can go to any vaccination center or health facility to receive the fourth dose against covid-19, but always carrying the indication of the treating doctor, who is the one who authorizes its application, whether from a public or private service. .
Vaccination campaigns for cancer patients
The executive director of Cancer Prevention and Control of the Directorate of Strategic Interventions in Public Health of the Minsa announced that in the coming weeks various immunization campaigns against covid-19 will be carried out at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) and in hospitals. with oncology services in order to close the protection gaps among the population affected by cancer.
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