In the cold front season, the risk of contracting the flu increases, but Mexicans will have more options to get vaccinated against the new strain of COVID-19, as the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) has approved the sale of the updated Pfizer vaccine. Juan Luis Morel, director of Pfizer Mexico, explained that Cofepris approved this vaccine on October 17, which will be available in pharmacies across the country.
The messenger RNA vaccine technology from Pfizer allows for annual updates with the circulating virus. The new version has been recommended for the lineage JN.1. According to Pfizer, the updated vaccine will be available for sale starting in the first weeks of November, and efforts are being made to set a price similar to last year’s, around 800 pesos.
The vaccine is especially recommended for individuals at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, including those over 65 years old or with comorbidities, starting from 5 years of age. The updated vaccine will be available soon, following international recommendations to adapt to variants like JN.1, which is related to the prevalent BA.2.86 of omicron.
The World Health Organization has urged pharmaceutical companies to adjust their vaccines, and Cofepris has approved the marketing of the COVID-19 vaccine update in Mexico. It is vital to get vaccinated annually, as the virus remains present and can cause complications.
