The Ministry of Health recommended this Friday (26), that Brazilians vaccinated against Covid-19 with Janssen’s immunizing agent should receive a booster dose of the same vaccine between two and six months after the first application.
According to the ministry, the guidance is based on scientific studies that show a significant increase in immunity after the application of one more dose of the vaccine, especially with a longer interval of six months. The recommendation was released in a technical note on Thursday (25).
“Scientific evidence indicates that antibody levels increase nine times after a week of Janssen’s booster dose, when given six months apart. Surveys also show that this index continues to increase by up to 12 times four weeks after the application of the reinforcement”, the ministry said in a statement.
In the technical note from the Extraordinary Department for Coviding Covid-19, it highlights the results of a survey conducted in the United States, which showed protection of up to 94% with the booster dose applied at least two months apart.
According to the study, with a single dose of the vaccine, the rate drops to 75%. The analysis also pointed to an increase in antibody levels of four to six times with the booster.
According to the Ministry of Health, Brazil has already received 6.6 million doses of Janssen, with 3 million being donated by the United States government. Another three batches delivered, totaling 3.6 million vaccines, are from the folder’s contract with the pharmacist.
By the end of 2021, another 2.8 million doses of Janssen should be distributed to states and municipalities by the National Immunization Program (PNI). According to the ministry, the amount is sufficient for the application of the reinforcement with Janssen within the recommended range of up to six months.
For women vaccinated with Janssen and who are pregnant at this time, the ministry recommends that the booster be done with the Pfizer vaccine, within the same range.
Reference: CNN Brasil
