Spain Saved Hundreds of Thousands of Lives with COVID-19 Vaccines, Focus Now on Risk Groups
COVID-19 vaccines saved an estimated 456,200 lives in Spain during the first year of the pandemic (December 2020 to December 2021), according to a study published in The Lancet. Globally, nearly 20 million lives were saved during the same period. Despite the reduced prevalence of the virus, health officials continue to emphasize vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Lives Saved in Spain: A Deeper Glance
Whereas initial reports indicated 127,000 lives saved by vaccines in Spain between December 2020 and March 2023, a more detailed analysis of the The Lancet study reveals the higher figure of 456,200 lives saved during the first year alone. Jaime Pérez Martín, president of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), noted that this data, while present in the study, had not been widely publicized.1
COVID-19 as a Respiratory Virus
COVID-19 is now considered the third respiratory virus for which vaccination is recommended in Spain, following influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Although the severity of the disease has decreased, it continues to pose a health risk, particularly for those in at-risk groups.2
Current Vaccination Recommendations
Current vaccination recommendations prioritize individuals aged 70 and older, especially those who are immunosuppressed or have serious chronic conditions. This also includes individuals residing in institutional settings and other identified risk groups.1
Initially, COVID-19 posed a greater risk of hospitalization and death to older adults and those with underlying health conditions. However, vaccination has significantly reduced the severity of illness in younger, healthy populations. Current recommendations are specifically targeted towards those most vulnerable to severe outcomes. This approach mirrors vaccination strategies for influenza and pneumococcal disease.
Expanding Vaccine Options: The First 100% Spanish Vaccine
A key development in the recent vaccination campaign is the inclusion of Bimervax, the first 100% Spanish vaccine. Adapted to the LP.8.1 variant, Bimervax utilizes a protein alternative technology, offering a safe and effective alternative to mRNA vaccines.2 The vaccine began distribution in Spain in November 2023.
Future Vaccination Strategies
Currently, there are no plans to expand vaccination beyond the target risk groups. According to Pérez Martín, the success of the vaccination campaign has led to a decrease in the overall burden of disease. However, health officials will continue to monitor epidemiological data and adjust recommendations as needed.1
Regarding other potential risk groups, such as individuals with cardiovascular or chronic pathologies, no new groups are currently under evaluation.1
Dosage Recommendations
The Ministry of Health recommends a single seasonal dose for the target population, regardless of the number of previous doses or prior infections, with a minimum interval of three months since the last dose or infection. This interval extends to six months if the last dose was Bimervax.2
2 Jaime Pérez (Vaccinology): “The largest investments in … – Archyde
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