In a decisive turn in the fight against the pandemic, several European countries have approved mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, generating a wave of global reactions. This measure has been driven by the increase in infections in certain regions and the emergence of new variants of the virus.

The decision was made as part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable populations, prevent the collapse of healthcare systems, and ensure a sustained recovery from the economic and social impacts caused by the pandemic.

Which countries have approved the measure?

Among the countries that have adopted mandatory vaccination are Austria, Greece, Italy, and Germany, although the conditions vary in each case. For example:

Austria was one of the first countries to announce mandatory vaccination for all adults, with financial penalties for non-compliance.

Greece has made vaccination mandatory for those over 60, imposing monthly fines on those who fail to get vaccinated.

Italy has required it for certain occupational groups, such as healthcare and education workers.

Germany has debated this measure in depth in its parliament, considering a progressive approach.

Citizens’ reactions

The implementation of this measure has generated both support and opposition. Many citizens consider mandatory vaccination an essential tool to definitively overcome the pandemic. Others, however, argue that it violates individual freedoms and the right to decide about one’s own body.

Demonstrations have been held in various European cities both for and against this policy. Governments, for their part, have called for collective responsibility and dialogue to overcome this critical phase.

The position of the European Union

The European Commission has left the decision to implement mandatory vaccination up to each member country, but has expressed its support for strategies to increase vaccination coverage. It has also reiterated the importance of maintaining complementary measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and regular testing.

Conclusion

The approval of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in Europe marks a key point in the management of the global health crisis. Although the measure is controversial, it reflects the urgency with which we seek to protect public health and prevent future waves of infection. The debate remains open, and what is clear is that the world remains attentive to every step the European continent takes in this matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

To maintain the achievements in controlling and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases, it is a priority that you visit the nearest vaccination center to start and/or complete your vaccination schedule.

Our National Vaccination Schedule includes vaccines for all life stages, special situations, or specific groups. They are safe, free, and administered in health centers without a doctor’s order.

COVID-19 vaccines are added to the vaccination strategy with the primary goal of minimizing hospitalization, complications, and fatal outcomes. They can be co-administered with any other vaccine, and can be administered on the same day or on different days, without requiring an interval between doses.

Production and development of candidate vaccines1. What COVID-19 vaccine platforms are being used?

A platform is the mechanism through which the virus (or part of it) whose action is intended to be blocked is presented to the body’s immune system.

The 4 main platforms are:

Inactivated virus vaccines: These use the previously inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus, so it does not cause the disease, but it does generate an immune response. Protein-based vaccines: These use harmless protein fragments or protein structures that mimic the virus that causes COVID-19, in order to generate an immune response. Viral vector vaccines: These use a genetically modified virus other than SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., adenovirus) that cannot cause the disease, but can produce SARS-CoV-2 proteins to generate a safe immune response. RNA and DNA vaccines: This is a novel approach that uses genetically modified RNA or DNA to generate a protein that by itself triggers an immune response against SARS-CoV-2.

Return to index

2. Are vaccines produced under similar platforms being used in our National Vaccination Schedule or around the world?

There is extensive experience with live attenuated or inactivated virus platforms, and with protein- or protein-subunit-based platforms. These have been used for years in vaccines included in our National Immunization Schedule, as well as in all countries around the world (e.g., measles, chickenpox, polio, hepatitis A, HPV, among others).

Viral vector platforms are used in vaccines against Ebola, MERS, and gene therapies.

Nucleic acid platforms (mRNA and DNA) are innovative, newly developed, and currently only recently licensed vaccines are available.

Return to index

3. What platforms does each of the vaccines used in Argentina use?

The British-made ChAdOx1-S vaccine (Oxford/AstraZeneca) and the Serum Institute of India’s counterpart Covishield use a non-replicating viral vector platform (using chimpanzee adenovirus).

The Russian-made vaccine (Sputnik V from the Gamaleya Institute) uses a non-replicating viral vector (it uses 2 human adenoviruses: 26 and 5).

The Chinese-made vaccine, Sinopharm, is an inactivated virus platform.

Moderna’s vaccines use a nucleic acid platform: mRNA.

The Convidecia or Ad5-nCoV vaccine is a recombinant vaccine that uses a non-replicating adenovirus type 5 viral vector expressing the Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, produced by the laboratory of the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology (Beijing, China) and CanSino Biologics Inc.

The Comirnaty vaccine is a vaccine that uses a nucleic acid platform: mRNA, produced by Pfizer-BioNTech.

The Sputnik Light vaccine produced by the Gamaleya Institute uses a non-replicating viral vector platform (human adenovirus 26).

See more information

Return to index

Regulatory Aspect 4. What legal regulations govern COVID-19 vaccination?

The following legal regulations are available:

Law 27,573 on vaccines intended to generate acquired immunity against COVID-19.

Resolution 2883/2020 of the Ministry of Health of the Nation, approving the Strategic Plan for COVID-19 vaccination in the Argentine Republic.

Provincial resolutions for the execution of actions and use of funds.

Provincial resolutions for the incorporation of the figure of temporary vaccinators.

Authorization by ANMAT for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines.

Return to index

5. What are the regulatory and pharmacovigilance aspects of COVID-19 vaccines in Argentina?

The emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccines falls under Law 27,573, and the Ministry of Health issues the corresponding resolution establishing their use, following the intervention of the competent agencies. Articles 8 and 9 establish which agencies must participate in the process and how it should be carried out.

In this case, the National Administration of Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT), as the competent body, requests from purchasers the necessary information to support the scientific evidence that will allow for verification of its safety and efficacy, and evaluates the conditions for the availability of this vaccine within the framework of the strategy established by our country.

Another procedure, for public or private pharmaceutical companies with representation in the country (registrants regulated by ANMAT), is the application for vaccine registration—whether emergency or permanent—under ANMAT Regulation No. 705/05. The aforementioned regulation establishes the requirements that must be met for registration in the Registry of Medicinal Specialties (REM), including information on development, production, and quality control, as well as clinical studies that support the quality, safety, and efficacy required for use in humans.

Return to index

6. Which COVID-19 vaccines are currently authorized for use in our country?

ANMAT reported on December 22, 2020 that, through Provision 9210/20, it authorized the registration in the Registry of Medicinal Specialties (REM) of the product “COMIRNATY/BNT162b2”, a vaccine for SARS-COV-2 from the company PFIZER SRL

On December 23, 2020, by Ministerial Resolution 2020-2784-APN-MS, the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine, called Sputnik-V, developed by the Gamaleya National Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of Russia, was authorized on an emergency basis, pursuant to the provisions of Articles 8 and 9 of Law 27,573 and in accordance with the recommendations of ANMAT.

On December 30, 2020, through Provision 9271/20, ANMAT authorized the registration in the Registry of Medicinal Specialties (REM) of the product COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and generic name VACCINE AGAINST COVID-19 ChAdOx1-S recombinant, from the firm AstraZeneca SA

On January 19, 2021, ANMAT, after analyzing the new information provided on the Gam-COVID-vac (Sputnik-V) vaccine, established through the expansion report that it is within an acceptable margin of safety, immunogenicity and efficacy for the age group over 60 years of age, for which reason it recommended to the Ministry of Health of the Nation the use of the Gam-COVID-Vac Vaccine in the aforementioned age group.

On February 21, 2021, the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Vero cells), developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products laboratory in the People’s Republic of China, was authorized on an emergency basis through Ministerial Resolution 688/2021, following recommendations made by ANMAT.

On June 10, 2021, through Ministerial Resolution No. 1671/2021, the CONVIDECIA vaccine (Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) from the Cansino Biologics Inc (Beijing Institute of Biotechnology) laboratory was authorized on an emergency basis.

On July 23, 2021, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended extending the authorization for use of the Moderna vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in adolescents aged 12–17 years.

On October 1, 2021, ANMAT, after analyzing the new information provided on the inactivated SARS COV-2 Vaccine (vero cells) – SINOPHARM, from the Beijing Institute of Biological Products Laboratory, establishes through the extension report that it is within an acceptable margin of safety and immunogenicity from 3 years of age, for which it recommended to the Ministry of Health of the Nation to grant emergency use authorization for the SINOPHARM vaccine in the age group evaluated.

That same day, ANMAT, through provision 7502/2021, registered for emergency use the COVID-19 VACCINE Ad26.COV2-S (recombinant), trade name COVID-19 VACCINE JANSSEN.

On December 3, 2021, ANMAT, through resolution 3451/2021, registered the Sputnik Light vaccine, from the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology laboratory, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, for emergency use.

On January 13, 2022, through provision DI-2022-450-APN-ANMAT#MS, ANMAT approved the new formulation of the Pfizer-Biontech COMIRNATY vaccine for the indication in the age group between 5 and 11 years of age. On March 12, 2022, ANMAT recommended (according to report IF-2022-22630342-APN-DERM#ANMAT) the incorporation of the Moderna mRNA vaccine against SARS COV-2 in the age group from 6 to 11 years.

On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of the Moderna vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in children 6 months of age and older. In January 2023, Argentina incorporated the COMIRNATY BIVARIANTE vaccine, Original/Omicron BA.4-5, as a booster dose for people 12 years of age and older.

In February 2023, Argentina incorporated the SPIKEVAX BIVARIANTE Original/Omicron BA.4-5 vaccine as a booster dose for individuals 6 years of age and older. On July 27, 2023, ANMAT, under regulation “DI-2023-5817-APN-ANMAT#MS,” extended the use of the Spikevax® bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 vaccine to individuals 6 months of age and older, for the initial schedule and for booster doses.

On April 8, 2024, ANMAT, under provision “DI-2024-3229-APN-ANMAT#MS” established the use of the Spikevax® monovariant XBB.1.5 vaccine in people 6 months of age or older, for the initial schedule and for booster doses.

Return to index

7. What vaccines are currently available in Argentina?

Currently, the available vaccines are Spikevax® monovariant XBB.1.5 (Moderna) for the initial schedule and boosters from 6 months of age and Comirnaty® bivariate Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 (Pfizer-BioNTech), indicated for booster from 12 years of age.

Bivariate COVID-19 vaccines are vaccines that have two mRNA components: one corresponding to the original virus strain and the other to the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant. They are just as safe and effective as monovariate vaccines.

Return to index

Guidelines and phasing8. What is the purpose and objective of COVID-19 vaccination in Argentina?

The purpose of vaccination is to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19 in Argentina. Currently, the target population for vaccination includes people 6 months and older.

Return to index

Technical Guidelines and Vaccination Manual 9. What are the current recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination?

As of May 2023, the current recommendations for applying boosters stratified by risk will apply:

High risk of severe COVID-19 (people with immunocompromise from 6 months of age, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older) booster dose 6 months after the last dose, continue with the same periodicity. Intermediate risk of severe COVID-19 or high occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection (people under 50 years of age with non-immunosuppressive comorbidities (chronic diseases or obesity), healthcare personnel and strategic personnel) booster dose 6 months after the last dose applied, continue with annual doses. Low risk of severe COVID-19 (between 6 months and 49 years of age inclusive without comorbidities) booster 12 months after the last dose applied, continue with this periodicity.

The population considered at greatest risk of disease:

Healthcare personnel. Strategic personnel. People over 50 years of age. Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy. People under 50 years of age who have any of the following conditions. Type 1 or 2 diabetes (insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent). Obesity. Severe malnutrition. Chronic cardiovascular disease: heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension. Chronic kidney disease (including patients on chronic dialysis). Nephrotic syndrome.Chronic respiratory disease: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, severe asthma.Cirrhosis.HIV regardless of CD4 count and viral load levels.Waiting list for solid organ transplant and solid organ transplant recipients.Intellectual and developmental disability.Oncological and/or oncohematological disease with recent diagnosis or “ACTIVE” disease.Active tuberculosis.Down syndrome.Chronic autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (ERICA) and people receiving immunosuppressive treatments.Primary immunodeficiencies.

For more information, consult:

Return to index

Indications and phasing10. Is COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in Argentina?

No, COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory. The Argentine Ministry of Health and the Expanded Program on Immunization advocate for building and fostering acceptance and trust in vaccination as a supportive, equitable, and beneficial public health strategy for the well-being and health of individuals and the population. This strategy is based on compelling scientific evidence and has saved millions of lives worldwide as a primary preventive measure. Thus, in Argentina, the majority of the population understands the individual and collective benefits of vaccination and accepts it voluntarily.

Return to index

11. Is the COVID-19 vaccine free?

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign is being implemented by the public sector, guaranteeing free access to the vaccine for people 6 months and older.

Return to index

12. How are the applied doses recorded?

According to the Strategic Plan approved by RM 2883/2020, all doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Argentina must be registered in the Nominal Vaccination Registry (NOMIVAC), which is mandatory. The registry includes data on the vaccination date, vaccine received, batch, number of doses, among other details, to provide the real-time information necessary for proper monitoring of vaccinated individuals.

Return to index

13. Is it possible to know how the vaccination campaign is progressing in the country?

Yes. The vaccination monitor displays real-time data on doses distributed, doses administered nationwide, as well as doses administered by condition and sex. This information is updated twice daily and is publicly accessible.

To learn about the public vaccination monitor, you can access: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/aplicadas

It is also possible to learn about the safety of vaccines administered in Argentina through the weekly reports available at: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/informes-seguridad

For more information on recommendations, guidelines, and vaccinator manuals, please visit:

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2023-06/actualizacion-lt-covid.pdf

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/lineamientos-manual-vacunador

Return to index

14. The COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines.

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with any other vaccine. They can be administered on the same day (at different sites) or on different days without requiring an interval between doses. This way, the schedules for other vaccines are not delayed.

Return to index

15. What is considered a primary scheme?

This is the initial vaccination schedule to ensure a sufficient initial immune response. The number of doses varies, depending on the age and the vaccine received.

Primary single-dose regimens: Moderna bivariate and monovariate starting at age 6, as well as regimens with the Cansino or Sputnik Light vaccines.

Primary two-dose regimens: Moderna bivariate and monovariate from 6 months to 5 years inclusive AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sputnik V, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, Sinopharm in patients under 50 years of age.

Primary two-dose regimen PLUS additional dose: Sinopharm in patients over 50 years of age.

If you are immunocompromised, your primary regimen is two doses plus an additional dose, regardless of the vaccine used.

Return to index

16. What does additional dose and booster dose mean?

Additional dose: This is the administration of a third dose as part of the primary regimen when the initial immune response is likely insufficient. In other words, a third dose is added to the regimen. Other vaccines with a 3-dose primary regimen include, for example, the quintuple vaccine and the polio vaccine.

Booster dose: This is the administration of a vaccine dose after a complete primary regimen with a sufficient initial immune response, taking into account the possible decline in response over time. It is important that all individuals 6 months of age and older have a complete primary regimen and receive a booster dose at the recommended intervals according to their risk group.

Return to index

17. Who needs to receive an additional dose?

• People aged 50 years or older who have received a primary regimen of inactivated virus vaccine (Sinopharm).• People with immunocompromised status, regardless of the primary regimen received:

Solid organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy. Oncologic treatment for solid and onco-hematologic tumors. Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant recipients in the last 2 years or on immunosuppressive therapy. Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency. People living with HIV, regardless of CD4 count and viral load levels. Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medication. Chronic kidney failure on hemodialysis. Autoimmune diseases and/or treatments with immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, or biologics.

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2023-06/actualizacion-lt-covid.pdf https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/lineamientos-manual-vacunador

Return to index

18. What is the minimum interval for receiving the additional dose?

For the application of the additional dose, AT LEAST 4 WEEKS MUST HAVE PASSED since the application of the last dose.

Return to index

19. Who should receive the booster dose?

All people 6 months of age and older who have completed their primary schedule should receive at least one booster every six months or annually, depending on their risk group.

Return to index

20. How often should boosters be applied?

Successive booster doses will be continued with the frequency according to the following recommendations:

Booster dose at 6-month intervals from the last dose and continued booster doses every 6 months:

Population considered at high risk of serious illness

People aged 50 years or older. Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy. People with HIV regardless of CD4 count and viral load levels. People on the waiting list for solid organ transplants and solid organ transplant recipients. People with recently diagnosed oncological and/or oncohematological disease or “ACTIVE” disease. People with Chronic Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (CRIA) and those receiving immunosuppressive treatments. People with primary immunodeficiencies. People who have received a hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant in the last 2 years or are on immunosuppressive treatment. People receiving active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medication.

Booster doses at 6-month intervals from the last dose and continued annual booster doses:

Population considered at intermediate risk of severe disease

Obesity.Type 1 or 2 diabetes (insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent).Severe malnutrition.Chronic cardiovascular disease: heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension.Chronic kidney disease (including patients on chronic dialysis).Nephrotic syndrome.Chronic respiratory disease: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, severe asthma.Cirrhosis.Active tuberculosis.Down syndrome.Intellectual and developmental disabilities.Population with the highest occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection: – Health personnel.Strategic personnel.

Booster doses at 12-month intervals from the last dose and continued annual booster doses:

Population considered at low risk of serious illness: people between 6 months and 49 years of age inclusive without comorbidities.

Return to index

21. What is the minimum interval for the booster dose?

The booster dose MUST BE APPLIED 4 MONTHS (120 DAYS) after the last dose.

Return to index

22. What is the target population to be vaccinated?

COVID-19 vaccination is intended for the entire population starting at 6 months of age.

Children and adolescents between 12 and 17 years old.

Return to index

23. What vaccines are currently available for the pediatric and adolescent population?

Currently, the available vaccines are Spikevax® monovariant XBB.1.5 (Moderna) for the initial schedule and boosters from 6 months of age and Comirnaty® bivariate Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5 (Pfizer-BioNTech), indicated for booster from 12 years of age.

Return to index

24 Is vaccination safe between 6 months and 12 years?

Yes. Vaccines authorized for use between 6 months and 12 years of age demonstrated an adequate safety profile during the research phases. Furthermore, vaccine safety continues to be continuously monitored.

All safety information is available at:

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2023-06/actualizacion-lt-covid.pdf

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/informes-seguridad

Return to index

25. Why vaccinate the pediatric population?

While SARS-CoV-2 infection tends to be milder in the pediatric population than in adults, children can become seriously ill, require hospitalization, and experience sequelae that are more common in those with an underlying medical condition. Furthermore, if infected, they could develop serious complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a condition in which different parts of the body (heart, lungs, gastrointestinal organs, among others) become inflamed.

Return to index

26. What other benefits would there be from vaccinating this population?

Vaccinating children and adolescents prevents severe illness and complications from COVID-19 and helps reduce transmission of the virus to vulnerable populations.

It reduces the number of people susceptible to infection and therefore the viral circulation of new variants of the virus.

Return to index

27. Who needs an additional dose?

Regardless of the primary regimen received and age, those with the following risk factors will receive an additional dose 28 days after the second dose:

Oncological treatment for solid and onco-hematological tumors. Solid organ transplant under immunosuppressive treatment. Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant in the last 2 years or under immunosuppressive treatment. Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency HIV regardless of CD4 count and Viral Load level. Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medication.

Return to index

28. Should the pediatric population receive booster shots?

Yes, the internationally available evidence on the use of a booster in people 6 months and older shows it to be a recommendable strategy considering the current epidemiological situation, the safety demonstrated by COVID-19 vaccines, and the need to prolong protection against hospitalization, complications, and mortality from COVID-19, as well as the risk of long-term sequelae (long COVID), even in cases of mild illness.

Special situations29. Can the vaccine be given during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding?

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy, including them as a specific prioritized group within the target population, without the need for a medical prescription for vaccination.

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2022-02/lineamientos-tecnicos_unificado-covid19-2022.pdf

Memorandum | “COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendation for Pregnant Women”

Return to index

30. If I received the vaccine and I am breastfeeding, should I stop breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to stop breastfeeding.

Return to index

31. Is vaccination indicated for those with some degree of immunocompromise?

Included in the priority groups for higher risk of severe illness, complications, and death are people under 50 years of age:

Living with HIV regardless of CD4 count and viral load levels. On the waiting list for a solid organ transplant and who have received a solid organ transplant. With oncological and/or oncohematological disease with a recent diagnosis or “ACTIVE” disease (less than 1 year since diagnosis; current treatment or having received immunosuppressive treatment in the last 12 months; relapsed or uncontrolled disease). People with autoimmune diseases and/or immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory or biological treatments.

Return to index

32. Should I get vaccinated if I am indicated and have an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection?

The initial regimen doses (first dose, second dose, and additional dose, if applicable) can be administered when clinical and epidemiological discharge criteria have been met in people diagnosed with COVID-19.

In the case of the booster dose, to optimize the immune response in people diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended to defer it for at least 90 days after meeting the discharge criteria, if at least 4 months have passed since the last dose was administered.

Return to index

33. If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, should I get vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccination is independent of a history of COVID-19. In the case of the booster dose, to optimize the immune response in people diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended to defer it for at least 90 days after meeting the discharge criteria, if at least 4 months have passed since the last dose.

Return to index

Safety34. How is vaccine safety monitored?

Surveillance of events allegedly attributable to vaccination and immunization (ESAVI) is carried out by reporting events that occur throughout the country to the Ministry of Health. These are then analyzed by each jurisdiction and by CoNaSeVa (National Commission on Vaccine Safety), taking measures depending on the case and in accordance with current national and international regulations.

For more information, visit: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/seguridad

Return to index

About the vaccines used in Argentina 35. Do vaccines prevent coronavirus infection?

All COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated near-100% efficacy in preventing severe illness and death. They also significantly reduced the risk of developing symptomatic disease. Achieving high vaccination coverage in the population starting at 6 months of age could impact viral circulation.

Return to index

36. What is the minimum interval between doses of the primary schedule for each vaccine according to scientific evidence?

The following minimum intervals were recommended based on the development platform for each vaccine, based on scientific evidence, efficacy/effectiveness data, and implementation opportunities.

For more information, consult:

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2023-06/actualizacion-lt-covid.pdf

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/lineamientos-manual-vacunador

Return to index

37. Once you get the vaccine, how long does it protect you?

Vaccine protection is not immediate. For regimens that include a two-dose series, it will take at least two weeks after the second dose for protection to be considered adequate.

Return to index

38. What precautions should be taken after receiving the vaccine?

If any symptoms occur after vaccination, you should consult your nearest health center.

The use of ibuprofen/paracetamol is recommended if fever develops after vaccination.

Most frequent:

Local: spontaneous pain or pain on palpation at the injection site, hyperemia, swelling. General: headache, fatigue, muscle pain, malaise, fever, chills, joint pain and nausea.

Vaccinated individuals should be alert and seek medical advice if they experience symptoms after vaccination.

For more information on vaccine safety:

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2023-06/actualizacion-lt-covid.pdf

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/lineamientos-manual-vacunador

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/vacuna/equipos-salud/seguridad

Return to index

39. What are the contraindications or precautions for receiving the vaccines currently in use?

The absolute and temporary contraindications and general precautions for all vaccines currently administered in Argentina are as follows:

A “controlled environment” is defined as a healthcare facility with emergency and/or critical care services and staffed by medical and nursing staff trained in the management of anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions. The patient must remain under observation for 30 minutes.

The mRNA vaccines, COMIRNATY (Pfizer-BioNTech), contain POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG), which may also be present in some cosmetics, body washes, and medicines.

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/bancos/2023-06/actualizacion-lt-covid.pdf

Download file

Return to index

40. Can a SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test result in a “false positive” due to having received one of the vaccines?

No. None of the vaccines used in Argentina are capable of replicating the SARS-CoV-2 virus and causing the disease. If you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and a positive PCR test, there are multiple possibilities, in decreasing order of probability:

People who were inadvertently vaccinated during the incubation period of the disease. People who became infected within a few days of vaccination, since the immune system’s response takes up to 28 days, and while its protection against the disease is known, its possible protective effect on infection is still unknown. People who became ill despite the protective effect of the vaccine, since they do not offer 100% protection.

Return to index

41. Are vaccines losing effectiveness against new SARS-CoV-2 variants?

According to the data available to date, all vaccines are effective against hospitalizations and deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2, both against the strains that have circulated since the beginning of the pandemic and against subsequent variants that have emerged. Booster vaccination is essential to maintain protection over time.

Return to index

42. Can the vaccine cause death if received during the incubation period of the disease?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that vaccination during the incubation period can cause serious complications or death.

Return to index

43. What is the current recommendation regarding the use of coronavirus vaccines in the event of venous thrombosis?

The National Vaccine Safety Commission (CoNaSeVa) recommends continuing to administer COVID-19 vaccines according to the guidelines developed by the Ministry of Health.

This recommendation was based on the fact that, while vaccination with viral vectors can result in the rare development of antibody-mediated immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, the occurrence of these events following COVID-19 vaccines has been reported very infrequently so far; no risk factors associated with this event have been identified, and SARS-CoV-2 infection also carries a significant risk of developing thrombosis.

Return to index

44. Is it advisable to get tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

No, antibody testing is not recommended after vaccination, because if the antibody test is negative, it doesn’t mean you’re not immunized by the vaccine. Likewise, if your antibody test is positive, it doesn’t mean you can’t be infected and spread SARS-CoV-2 or get COVID-19.

Therefore, the most important thing to remember is that, even with your vaccination schedule up to date, it is essential to continue taking protective measures, such as wearing a face mask, hand and respiratory hygiene, ventilating your space, and practicing social distancing.

Return to index

45. What are the reasons why, after vaccination, a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test could give a negative result?

In Argentina, there are various ANMAT-approved diagnostic devices that detect antibodies, but not all of them are capable of identifying the type and quality of antibodies generated by the vaccines currently used in Argentina. Therefore, a negative result does not mean that your body has not generated an immune response to COVID-19.

Return to index

46. ​​If I don’t have a fever, body aches, headache, or any other symptoms after getting vaccinated, does that mean the vaccine didn’t work for me?

NO. There is no relationship between how you feel immediately after vaccination and the immunity generated by the vaccine. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms after receiving the vaccine.