ARCHIVED - Spain opens up fourth Covid jab to everyone under 60
The coronavirus vaccine has also been approved for children under 5 in Spain
As pandemic fatigue takes hold and the coronavirus vaccination campaign in Spain slows down, the Public Health Commission has confirmed that everyone over the age of 60 without underlying health conditions can make an appointment to receive the fourth jab.
Several studies have ruled out any contraindications for younger populations receiving the second booster and since more than 14 million doses have already expired, the government is keen to make use of those vaccines already paid for.
Just before Christmas, the Spanish Ministry of Health also gave the green light for children aged between 6 months and 59 months to be vaccinated if they are suffering from risk conditions – previously, the Covid jab was limited to youngsters over the age of 5.
The campaign for the fourth Covid dose has been far less successful than the others, with just 50% of those aged 59 and older opting for the second booster. Since the new year, in an effort to bump up the number of immunisations, anyone can request the shot, be it for travel or work reasons, or because they have contact with those considered vulnerable.
While the booster jab is now open to all adults, the general director of Public Health has again issued a plea to risk groups to avail themselves of this extra protection against Covid, focusing on older people who live in nursing homes or attend day centres, healthcare workers and all those with immune system concerns.
The health crisis in Spain continues to stabilise and the cumulative incidence rate has now dipped well below 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the first time this year.
Image: Generalitat Valenciana
Read more about Coronavirus:
OR
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin to get a comprehensive email with all the week’s news for Spain, Murcia, Alicante and Andalucía.
Get a sneak peek – here are a few of our recent Subscription Bulletins:
50% Discount Special Offer subscription:
24.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
