As the Dominican Government prepares to supply a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to its citizens, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) indicated today that “to date there is no scientific evidence on if it is necessary to apply one or more booster doses of these vaccines after finishing the current schedule of two doses for each one and the time in which they must be applied ”and asked the country to continue vaccination against COVID-19 with two doses.
Through a statement, the agency indicated that “ongoing investigations that continue to be monitored.”
PAHO / WHO requested a time compass “until updated evidence is available regarding the efficacy and safety of the interchangeability of doses between these vaccines and the need for boosters.”
He added that according to the progress of said research in vaccinated populations and the report of scientific data, “these recommendations may be updated, both regarding the need to apply booster doses, as well as regarding the mixture of vaccines from different platforms and laboratories ”.
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Similarly, the organization reiterates that in addition to vaccination, it is necessary to continue applying public health and social measures within the framework of a comprehensive approach to prevent infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, such as the use of masks, physical distancing, hand washing, respiratory hygiene when coughing and sneezing, avoiding crowds and ventilating closed spaces well.
The PAHO / WHO representation in the Dominican Republic will continue to monitor the scientific evidence to offer the country updated recommendations, recognizing that nations are sovereign and that they will make the decisions that best suit their populations.
He also highlighted the effort that the Dominican Republic has made so that the population has access to vaccination against COVID-19. “Thanks to this effort, about 45% of the population has received the first dose of vaccine and approximately 25% already have two doses,” he indicated.
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