Vacuna Covid Abdala

Vacuna Covid Abdala: The First Latin American Vaccine Against COVID-19

An Overview of Abdala

Abdala is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Cuba. It is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine, meaning it contains a harmless fragment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that triggers an immune response without causing illness. Abdala was approved for emergency use in Cuba in July 2021 and has since been granted emergency use authorization in several other countries, including Mexico, Iran, and Vietnam.

Abdala is administered intramuscularly in three doses, with each dose given 14 days apart. The vaccine has shown to be effective against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, as well as against the alpha, beta, and gamma variants. It is less effective against the delta variant, but still provides some protection against severe disease.

Efficacy and Safety

Clinical trials have shown that Abdala is safe and effective. In a phase III trial conducted in Cuba, the vaccine was found to be 92.28% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effective in preventing severe disease and death. The vaccine was also well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being pain at the injection site, fever, and headache.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Abdala has several advantages over other COVID-19 vaccines. It is relatively inexpensive to produce, making it a good option for developing countries. It is also stable at room temperature for up to 30 days, so it does not require special storage conditions.

However, Abdala also has some disadvantages. It is not as effective against the delta variant as some other vaccines. It is also not yet approved for use in the United States or the European Union, which could limit its availability in some countries.

Conclusion

Abdala is a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine that has been shown to be effective against several variants of the virus. It is a good option for countries that are looking for a low-cost and easy-to-store vaccine. However, it is important to note that Abdala is not as effective against the delta variant as some other vaccines, and it is not yet approved for use in the United States or the European Union.