What are the top 8 changes to Argentina’s vaccination plan

Following the increase in COVID-19 cases and delays in vaccine dose deliveries, the Argentine Ministry of Health made changes to the vaccination plan that started last December. It aims to immunize 100% of the population with the highest risk of death and personnel considered strategic for the country. It was clarified that this is done in a phased and progressive manner, depending on the progressive availability of vaccines and depending on the prioritization of risks, and for this reason it was decided to postpone the second dose. This was not the only change in the current vaccination plan.

Here are the 8 main changes involved in updating the immunization plan. It should also be considered that variations can be recorded according to the jurisdictions since each has its autonomy in accordance with the national Constitution to make decisions concerning the development of immunization.

1- Are people with cirrhosis, HIV and on chronic dialysis part of the priority group to receive the vaccine?

Yes. The vaccination plan is based on two main criteria to prioritize certain population groups. One criterion is the risk of those most at risk of contracting serious illness if they catch the coronavirus. The other criterion is to vaccinate strategic personnel for the functioning of the country.

Regarding the first group, the people at the highest risk of complications from COVID-19 are people over 60 years old, older people living in long-term homes and adults between 18 and 59 years old with risk factors. Now The plan specified that the group of adults aged 18 to 59 with risk factors also includes those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, including patients on chronic dialysis, cirrhosis and people living with HIV. . regardless of CD4 cell count and viral load levels.

In the group of people aged 18 to 59 with risk factors, there were also people with diabetes (insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent), grade 2 obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory patients, patients on the organ transplant waiting list, solid organ transplants, disabled people residing in homes, residences and small houses.

2- What should people do who have already had COVID, but who are part of the priority groups to receive the vaccine?

If a person has had COVID-19 in the past and is in the highest risk group or strategic staff, the vaccine can be postponed 3 to 6 months after infection. People who have had COVID-19 in the past can be re-infected, but this is rare. Depending on the plan update, this group of people may postpone the application of the first dose between three and six months after being discharged from the hospital for the disease. The recommendation was made in the context of limited vaccine availability and few cases of re-infection within 6 months of diagnosis.

In case of people who had COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, it is recommended to postpone vaccination for at least 90 days after treatment.

3- What happens if a person has already received the first dose of the vaccine, but was subsequently infected with the coronavirus?

If a person has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID and has already received the first dose, it is recommended to postpone the application of the second dose between 3 and 6 months after clinical discharge.

4- Should each municipality complete the vaccination of a priority group before continuing with another group?

No. The vaccination steps can be developed successively or simultaneously depending on availability of doses. If the amount of vaccine is sufficient – the plan of the Ministry of Health clarified – it will not be necessary to complete the vaccination of a certain group, such as health workers, to move to another stage with the incorporation of ‘other priority groups, such as adults over 70 and the elderly living in long-term homes.

5- In the fall, vaccines against influenza or pneumococcus are generally administered to certain groups of people. Can they be applied with the COVID vaccine?

No. It is recommended to observe an interval of 14 days with the application of other vaccines. In case of simultaneous application of another vaccine or with an interval of less than 14 days, notification should be made. It should be taken into account that, in the face of an unforeseen situation with a potential risk of death, such as a potentially rabies accident or serious injury, priority should be given to the completion of the corresponding rabies or tetanus control program.

6- What should a woman who has received the vaccine and who wishes to achieve pregnancy take into account?

In women of childbearing age, it is recommended to avoid pregnancy within 4 weeks of vaccination. “The rationale for this recommendation is linked to a precautionary principle which considers that the recommended interval is that used in the case of live and attenuated virus vaccines, until there is more information on this subject. », Specifies the plan.

7- If a person has already received the first dose of the Covid vaccine, why is the application of the second dose postponed?

The Nation’s Ministry of Health reached consensus with the city of Buenos Aires and all provinces at the last meeting of the Federal Health Council delay the application of the second doses of COVID-19 vaccines for three months. It was designed to give the first dose to more people at higher risk of serious disease against the background of the onset of fall, the increase in cases and the delay in delivering doses.

It aims to protect as many people as possible with a risky condition as quickly as possible and to reduce the impact of deaths from this disease. The change in the postponement of the second dose was made with the approval of the members of the National Vaccination Commission (CONAIN) and of the Presidential Committee of Experts. After 3 months of the first dose, it is suggested to apply the second dose in a staggered fashion, sequentially prioritizing the population at higher risk of severe disease. (over 60 years and people between 18 and 59 years with risk factors) to complete the system.

8- Can all the vaccines applied in Argentina be administered to people over 60 years old?

Yes, the vaccines available in Argentina today are the Sputnik V, made in Russia, CoviShield, made in India by the Serum Institute in agreement with AstraZeneca, and the Sinopharm vaccine, from China. Last week, the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technologies (ANMAT) recommended to the National Ministry of Health to authorize the emergency use of Sinopharm vaccine in the group over 60 years.

The ANMAT indicated that the safety analyzed in the phase III trial between the vaccinated group and the placebo group resulted in an acceptable profile and until the time of analysis, there were no events. unexpected or serious adverse reactions associated with the product. The interim analysis reported that the efficacy determined with the clinical trial in which 25,730 volunteers participated is 78.89%.

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