According to a specialist, it is expected that in approximately three weeks, Pfizer vaccines will be available in pharmacies in Mexico. This vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, allowing it to be constantly adapted to maintain its effectiveness against Covid-19 mutations. Currently, Mexico is affected by the JN.1 variant of the virus.
In the lab, it has been shown that the Pfizer vaccine can neutralize the virus by 80 to 90 percent, but its effectiveness when administered to patients ranges from 40 to 60 percent, similar figures to those of influenza vaccines.
Regarding the cost of the vaccine, it is estimated that it will remain close to last year's, around 800 pesos. The updated version of the Pfizer vaccine, designed for the new strain of Covid-19, will be available in Mexico starting in the first half of November, but only in the private health sector.
Mexican authorities will continue to administer vaccines designed for the ancestral strain, excluding the Omicron variants. The new vaccines will be in the private sector and will be paid. Those who decide to acquire them will be able to do so. Rodrigo Romero Feregrino, from the Mexican Association of Vaccinology, mentioned that the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) recently approved the updated Pfizer vaccine, which will be available in pharmacies within a maximum of three weeks.
According to Romero, it is important to use first-generation vaccines if access to updated ones is not available, as they also provide a certain degree of protection. In case the price increases, it will be to a minimal extent. He recommended that those who cannot afford the Pfizer vaccine in the private sector should turn to the public sector and get the available vaccines, such as Sputnik and Abdala.
In line with the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated with the option they have access to, whether in the public or private sector.
