The President of the Dominican College of Physicians (CMD), Waldo Ariel Suero, warned that the union “is not convinced” by the AstraZeneca vaccine because it is one of the most questioned in terms of its effectiveness and side effects.
Suero made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview with Súper7FM (107.7), where He stressed that CMD gives priority to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines because they have higher levels of coverage and efficacy.
The doctor described the contracting of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the Dominican government as “hasty”, the first payment of which was made through a $ 8 million in private sector subsidies.
“The intention is good, but there has been rainfall, a vaccine has been decided that has the lowest coverage right now, including that of China,” he added.
Dr. Suero indicated that during the meeting he had 14 days ago with the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, he remained firm on the position of the CMD regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine and He suggested they favor the American Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
The interviewee said that during their meeting, the president explained that “efforts are being made to obtain other vaccines, but there is an investment of eight million dollars for AstraZeneca”.
“We must try to make an effort and bring the least harmful to the population and what produces the most coverage”, said Serum.
During his speech in the program, the doctor expressed that he “does not believe” that doctors want to be vaccinated with AstraZeneca through the function of the College of Physicians.
However, given the outrage caused by his statement, Serum withdrew and clarified that “anyone who wants to be vaccinated should be vaccinated” because “at no time have they denied anyone being vaccinated and I agree that people do it ”.
“Whoever wants to be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, now, the College of Physicians must guide doctors and the country”he insisted.
Ser pointed out that to evaluate the vaccine in a general sense “It will be months, not days,” because it is a complex process. In addition, he stressed that vaccines are not definitive because they have been approved as an emergency.
The CMD chairman complained that in countries in the region with conditions “similar” to the Dominican Republic, he applied the Pfizer vaccine, while into the In the country, the authorities claim that there is no logistics or technology to apply it.
“There is no logistics or technology for refrigeration, but if those countries have done it, why can’t we do it? Why don’t we deserve a good vaccine? ”He exclaimed.
About AstraZeneca
Ser assured that AstraZeneca vaccine coverage is one of the lowest analyzed. The first studies performed showed an efficiency of 62% to 70%, and subsequent ones revealed an alleged 90% coverage.
The actual purpose of the vaccine is not yet defined, trials continue in the UK and was alternated with the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.
One of its advantages is that this vaccine is cheap, each costs 4 USD UD, Out of its storage varying between 2-8 ° C makes it one of the most “manageable”.
“It is good to remember that during the studies of the Astrazeneca vaccine they stopped because there were one or two cases of transverse myelitis, a very frightening complication,” warns CMD in a statement.
About Pfizer and Moderna
Both vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their studies show a 95% (Pfizer) and 94% (modern) efficiency
In terms of handling, logistics and refrigeration, the vaccine Pfizer should be stored at -70 ° C, which leads to greater complexity and the investment of more resources.
While the vaccine The modern one must be kept at -20 ° C and costs around $ 25.
Looking for vaccines
On Monday, President Luis Abinader said Vice President Raquel Peña had been in contact with Pfizer, Moderna, the Russian vaccine and Covax, which is a WHO coordination program for the equitable distribution of the vaccine.
At a press conference at the National Palace, he said that the government’s main priority is to get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible and that he hopes that results will be announced to see if he receives urgent vaccines. Expect a batch of about 200,000 vaccines for medical staff.