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Third dose of vaccine: find out who will be boosted against Covid-19

After starting in September the application of the third dose of the vaccine against Covid-19 in the elderly and immunosuppressed, Brazil is expanding vaccination with an additional dose. The Minister of Health, Marcelo Queiroga, announced that the government will apply a booster dose of the vaccine to the entire population over 18 years of age.

The application will be for those who took the second dose more than five months ago. In addition to the audience having been expanded, the interval between applications has decreased — as previously the minimum interval should have been six months.

To help you understand this new phase, we’ve listed some questions and answers about third-dose vaccination no country.

Why is it necessary to apply the third dose?

The application of a booster dose has been advocated by specialists in view of the rise in infections among those immunized with the two doses, as was the case with actor Tarcisio Meira, who died in August.

There is also scientific evidence that the protection induced by vaccines decreases over time, which puts, in particular, the most vulnerable groups at risk.

The advance of the Delta variant — more transmissible — has also put authorities on alert.

Does this mean the vaccine is ineffective?

No. Scientific studies and monitoring of vaccine application reveal that immunizers against Covid-19 are effective against the coronavirus and work against known variants.

There may, however, be a drop in the level of vaccine protection over time.

When did the booster dose start to be given?

Vaccination with third application started in Brazil in early September. The Ministry of Health predicted the start of vaccination with a booster dose from 15, but the government of São Paulo advanced the start of the new stage to the 6th of that month.

Which groups are getting the third dose?

At first, only elderly people over 60 years old, immunosuppressed and health professionals received the booster with the third dose.

On November 16, however, the Minister of Health, Marcelo Queiroga, announced that the government will expand immunization with an additional dose, covering the entire population over 18 years of age.

The intention of the folder is to apply the boost to 103 million people by May.

Will the backup be given only to those who took CoronaVac?

No. The booster dose will be applied to eligible individuals who took any of the available immunizers no country.

What should the interval between doses be?

In order for a person to be eligible to receive the additional dose, in addition to being over 18 years of age, they must have received a second dose or a single dose of an anti-covid immunizing agent for at least five months.

How does it work for those who have received Janssen vaccine?

The Ministry of Health announced that people who took the Janssen vaccine, from Johnson & Johnson pharmaceuticals, will need to take a second dose of the immunizing agent.

The application should be made two months after the first dose. The booster for these people will also be done five months after the complete vaccination course.

How many people have already received an additional dose?

In all, 10.7 million people over 60 years, immunosuppressed and health workers have already received this booster dose.

According to the Ministry of Health’s accounts, another 12.4 million are eligible to receive yet another application this November.

Is it necessary to register or already look for the health center?

No. In the State of São Paulo, those who have already been vaccinated are already registered in Vacina Já, which exempts the population from carrying out a new registration. Eligible people can seek care at immunization posts.

What vaccines are being used?

The Ministry of Health said there is a preference for the Pfizer vaccine, but Janssen or AstraZeneca vaccines can also be used.

It should also be privileged, according to the folder, heterologous immunization, which is done with an immunizing agent different from the one applied in the first doses.

Which other countries already apply the third dose?

In addition to Brazil, Germany, France and Israel have already opted for the application of the third dose of the immunizing agent against Covid-19. The United States and Chile are also countries that have adopted similar measures.

Reference: CNN Brasil

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