- Quote: ‘It makes sense to give the booster to over 65s because the immune system weakens over the years and there the quality of the protective response could be stimulated’ – President Spanish Association of Vaccinations, Amos José García Rojas
By Andrew Atkinson
President of the Spanish Association of Vaccinations, Amos José García Rojas, said there is no need to give a Covid-19 vaccine booster jab to the general population.
“There is no need – because we are seeing the efficacy of the vaccine in the results and also the epidemic situation is good.
“It makes sense to give the booster to everyone over 65 years of age – because the immune system weakens over the years and there the quality of the protective response could be stimulated,” said Rojas.
Spain’s Health Ministry announced that one million people have received Covid-19 booster vaccine jabs.
The Health Ministry has approved Covid-19 vaccine booster – for over 65s, immunosuppressed people and residents of care homes.
Spain’s chief epidemiologist Fernando Simón said: “In general it seems that immunity lasts for years. The under 12 group is little affected by the disease.”
Researchers from the Spanish Immunology and Vaccination Societies said the general population should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine booster jab.
“It is not necessary, it seems to me, a defeat for the health systems of the first world.
“I find it unfortunate because we are protected, the protection endures and I do not understand why a booster is needed,” said Carmen Cámara, spokesperson for the Spanish Immunology Society.
The European Medicines Agency gave its approval for a Pfizer Covid-19 booster for all adults in order to increase immunity levels.
“The CHMP (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) has evaluated data for Comirnaty (Pfizer) showing a rise in antibody levels, when a booster dose is given approximately six months after the second dose in people from 18 to 55 years old,” read a EMA statement.
“On the basis of this data, the Committee concluded that booster doses may be considered at least six months after the second dose for people aged 18 years and older,” it stated.
Cámara added: “The question is whether it is necessary.”
In July, Spain’s Health Minister suggested that a third reinforcement vaccine against Covid-19 – and potentially more vaccinations every year – would be a possibility, although she has since said that the booster campaign would be dynamic and would incorporate new age groups based on scientific evidence.
Countries within the EU is in charge of implementing its own policy towards Covid-19 vaccine booster jabs.
