Costa Rica will hold off using the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines it is due to receive until the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announces its findings on reports of possible side-effects, Health Minister Daniel Salas said on Tuesday.
Costa Rica on Monday began inoculating citizens and residents against Covid-19 using the AstraZeneca vaccine.
At a ceremony, several Costa Rican authorities received the vaccine in an apparent effort to boost confidence in the AstraZeneca formula. Health Minister Daniel Salas called the event a “symbolic” reminder that “everyone who can get vaccinated should get vaccinated.”
“Even though there have been some controversies, this has continually shown to be a highly safe vaccine,” Salas said. “We have to remember that in this fight against Covid-19, vaccines continue to be our strongest tool to end the pandemic.”
Salas, Public Security Minister Michael Soto and Caja President Román Macaya were among the first people to receive the jabs.
Health Minister Daniel Salas on Monday warned of rising coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Costa Rica, and he reminded Ticos to heed protocols to help slow the spread of Covid-19.
During Epidemiological Week 14, which ended Saturday, Costa Rica added 4,987 new cases, representing 82% more than the previous week (2,743).
Meanwhile, Covid-19-related hospitalizations have doubled over the last 15 days. As of Friday, April 9, there are 412 people hospitalized with the disease 199 of them in intensive care.
“We have an individual and collective responsibility to flatten that curve that is rising dangerously. Vaccination is advancing, but we need to strengthen preventive measures to let this immunization advance and achieve the necessary protection, especially for the most vulnerable,” Salas said.
CNVE authorizes AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines in Costa Rica
CNVE authorizes AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines in Costa Rica
San José, Apr 9 (Prensa Latina) The National Vaccination and Epidemiology Commission (CNVE) approved the use of AstraZeneca anti-Covid-19 vaccine in Costa Rica for people over 18 years but not pregnant or breastfeeding women. Before the arrival of the first batch of 43,200 doses, from the agreement signed by Costa Rica with the Covax mechanism, Health Minister Daniel Salas announced that the CNVE would wait for the analysis of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to confirm its application.
National Coordinator of Immunizations and Influenza of the Ministry of Health Roberto Arroba said that the AstraZeneca vaccine relation with blood clots is extremely rare (6.5 cases per million vaccinated people).