Mexico Welcomes Additional Abdala Vaccine Deliveries

Mexico strengthened its winter 2023-2024 National Vaccination Campaign with the reception of 4,530,600 doses of the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine. The delivery, facilitated by the Mexican Air Force's Hercules aircraft, arrived on Feb. 9,2024 at the Santa Lucía Air Force Base No. 1 in the State of Mexico, originating from Havana. This shipment will play a crucial role in maintaining control over seasonal COVID-19 outbreaks in Mexico.

In September 2023, Mexico’s Minister of Health Jorge Alcocer stated that Mexico had secured more than 5.38 million doses of Abdala, as reported by MBN. This latest shipment adds to Mexico's vaccine inventory, bringing the total number of Abdala vaccine doses received to 7,381,800 since the first shipment of the year, which occurred on Jan. 26, 2024.

Developed by Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) of the Ministry of Public Health, the vaccine is distinguished by its recombinant protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus receptor-binding domain. The approval for emergency use of the Abdala vaccine by the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) on Dec. 29, 2021, underscores its significance in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSA).

The reception, transport, and security of the doses involved collaboration among personnel from Mexico's Laboratories of Biologicals and Reagents (BIRMEX), the National Center for Child and Adolescent Health (CENSIA), COFEPRIS, and the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA).

These vaccines are allocated to populations included in the target groups of the National Vaccination Campaign against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 for the winter 2023-2024 season. Initiated on October 16, 2023, and slated to conclude on Mar. 31, 2024, the campaign aims to protect vulnerable groups, including individuals aged 60 and above, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, and healthcare personnel.

Priority for COVID-19 vaccination is accorded to individuals at higher risk of severe illness, such as those living with HIV, diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity, acute or chronic heart conditions, cancer, renal insufficiency, or immunosuppression due to illness or medical treatment. As Mexico continues to fortify its vaccination efforts, the influx of Abdala doses represents a pivotal step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and safeguarding public health.