Bivalent vaccine will be applied to people over 60 years of age in SP – 03/02/2023 – Health

People over 60 years of age will be able to receive Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine against Covid-19 starting next Monday (6) in the city of São Paulo. The vaccine was already available in the capital, but for seniors over 70 and other priority groups.

Bivalent vaccines use the original strain of the coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, and different strains of the omicron variant. This updated version has proven to be more effective in the current pandemic scenario, where omicron stresses are the main cause of infections.

The updated vaccine model started to be applied in São Paulo last Monday (27) for seniors over 70 years old. Immunosuppressed people aged 12 and over, residents of long-term care facilities, indigenous peoples and health professionals were also eligible for the new vaccine.

In addition to fitting into one of these groups, it is necessary to have already completed the primary vaccination schedule or to have already received the first or second booster. It is also necessary to pay attention to the interval between doses: the new application must be made at least four months after the last vaccination record.

To cover the public of people aged over 60, the Municipal Secretary of Health reported that it received, this Wednesday (1th), 530.776 doses.

At the national level, the Ministry of Health already recommends that people between 60 and 69 years old be vaccinated with the bivalent model, but this should happen from March 6th.

If someone does not fit into the public suitable for the bivalent vaccine, it is still necessary to keep the vaccination schedule against Covid-19 up to date. Currently, in the city of São Paulo, any adult has access to the second booster with the monovalent vaccine model.

According to the city hall, vaccination against Covid-19 takes place in Basic Health Units and in Outpatient Medical Assistance (AMAs)/Integrated UBSs. The days and times of immunization range from Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm, and on Saturdays, in the integrated AMAs/UBSs, also from 7 am to 7 pm.