The Ministry of Health recommended this Wednesday (9) the application of a fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in immunocompromised people over 12 years old. Before, the indication was to reinforce immunization only for adults in this group.
Among people with immunosuppression, for example, those who are undergoing chemotherapy against cancer, have had some type of organ or stem cell transplant, live with HIV/AIDS or undergo hemodialysis.
The booster for teenagers should be done with the Pfizer vaccine, says Saúde.
In a note, the ministry advised that the primary vaccination schedule for this group should be done with three doses — the first, second and the additional dose — with an interval of eight weeks between them. The fourth dose should be taken four months later.
“After completing this regimen, a booster dose is still recommended four months after the third dose (or additional dose). This guidance is already valid for the adult population, over 18 years of age, with a high degree of immunosuppression”, said the Health.
Since December 2021, the ministry has recommended the fourth dose to immunocompromised adults. The manifestation of the portfolio has no power to determine the actions of states and municipalities.
On Monday (7), the ministry said in a technical note that there is not enough data for the application of the fourth dose of the vaccine in the entire population.
Governor João Doria (PSDB) said this Wednesday (9) that São Paulo will adopt the new dose against the coronavirus even without approval from Health. .
In response to Doria, Minister Marcelo Queiroga said that the priority of the federal government is the booster dose of the vaccine against Covid-19 and criticized the interference of governors and mayors in the discussion about the application of the fourth dose of the immunizer.
Queiroga said that there is no definition in the Ministry of Health on the subject and that the technical area is still evaluating the need to expand vaccination. The minister said he did not talk to Doria on the subject.
“We already know this matter, don’t we? The governor of São Paulo and other heads of executives, whether state or municipal, often interfere in the decision-making process regarding immunization”, he said in an interview after a meeting with the president of the Chamber. , Arthur Lira (PP-AL).
Health technicians and the PNI (National Immunization Program) should reassess on Friday (11) whether they indicate the application of a new dose against Covid-19.
In the note released on Monday, Health says that it is still necessary to understand the epidemiological scenario to decide on expanding the use of the fourth dose.
“Before we move towards new indications in the PNO calendar [Plano Nacional de Operacionalizações]it is necessary to understand the epidemiological scenario in greater detail regarding hospitalizations, deaths and infections by Covid-19 among certain age groups and their relationship with vaccination status (vaccinated vs unvaccinated)”, says the technical note.
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