Although only a few hours ago the threshold of 50% of the Parma population vaccinated with the second dose was exceeded, we must also begin to discuss phase three of the immunization campaign.
With the arrival of the Delta variant, the scientific community is monitoring the duration of the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing infection and especially the severe forms that require hospitalization or, worse, can lead to death.
The latest data that cause discussion are those of a stage conducted by Pfizer on its own preparation.
Decline in effectiveness at six months
According to the analysis of the American company, between seven days and two months from the second dose, the effectiveness of the vaccine stood at 96.2%, between two and four months later it dropped to 90.1% to arrive, after six months from the completion of the cycle, at 83.7%. The study report then underlines the need for “continuous follow-up to understand the persistence of the vaccine effect over time and the possible need for a booster dose”, even if the great efficacy and not only in the prevention of the most serious forms of the disease.
Autumn call
And then the possibility of an autumn or winter recall emerges. A dose, Pfizer always points out, which would lead to “antibody titers against the Delta variant 5 times higher than the second dose”.
The topic, news of yesterday, has also entered the agenda of the Ministry of Health. Confirmation from Undersecretary Pierpaolo Sileri, who admits: «we need to make a call. Indeed, it is possible that every year we have to do it as for the flu ». Finally, the undersecretary added that he had “urged that an act be prepared for all those who have had the vaccine at the beginning of the vaccination campaign, such as health workers”.
On this category, but also on the guests of the sheltered residences for the elderly, great attention is therefore beginning to be paid, also because the six months indicated by Pfizer have passed, or almost, for many of them.
Parma data
In the province of Parma, for example, of the 18,803 health workers who have completed the vaccination process, 2,574 (13.7%) are already over the indicated 180 days. At the end of August, the same situation will affect 2,153 guests of the protected residences.
“My category was among the first vaccinated among health workers and therefore the six-month deadline will start in a few days”, explains Stefano Frigeri, medical director of the Operative Unit of Dentistry of the Major of Parma. «The company still subjects us to periodic checks with molecular swabs and I also personally carried out an antibody check which gave a very positive result. On the third dose, however, everyone is talking about it a bit and if we decide to do it we would all be ready to join. We’ll see”.
Green pass a nove mesi
Maurizio Vescovi, general practitioner, has also already exceeded the threshold of 180 days from the second Pfizer dose but, he explains, “I trust the Green pass which is valid for nine months. We will talk about it again in November ». Although, explains the family doctor, “we should begin to assess the antibody response in the population well. I think it is worthwhile for this exam to enter the national health system and no longer only available to private practices ».
Yes to the multidose vaccine
However, if the third dose were to arrive, “it would be better to provide a multidose vaccine”, concludes Vescovi, “it would be a nice gift for patients and for us doctors to be able to offer additional Covid and flu coverage with a single injection. It would also be a nice saving for the national health service ».
On the other hand, the AUSL remains awaiting the decisions of the central bodies and for now continues the vaccination campaign without hypothesizing a third dose. Although, it must be said, Commissioner Figliuolo said he was ready to intervene if necessary. If the data in the possession of the scientists suggest continuing with the vaccination campaign, therefore, “Italy is ready”.
Israel, it’s third dose
In the world, however, there are already those who have decided to follow this path. In the United States, for example, the health authorities have drawn up the first list of subjects, fragile or seriously ill patients, who could receive the third dose.
Israel will leave instead. Just yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced the start of administration of the third dose of Pfizer for the over 60s. First calls on Sunday.
Giuseppe Milano
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