The vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes covid-19 has a cost of 945 to 948 pesos in pharmacy chains, equivalent to an average increase of 12 percent, compared to what this product had in the last winter season. . In some businesses, offers are available: if four vaccines are purchased, the fifth is free or payment by credit card in months without interest.
The difference is that for now, only the biological produced by the Pfizer laboratory is available in the private market, while at the beginning of this year there was also the vaccine manufactured by the Moderna laboratory.
Both companies updated their products with the coronavirus variants currently circulating in the world and last August, both were approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the case of Mexico, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) authorized last month the modification of the health record of the Pfizer vaccine, since it was updated with the JN.1 subvariant of the virus. This was included by the World Health Organization (WHO) – since December 2023 – among the variants of interest.
It means that it is under surveillance, but it has not had, until now, a significant impact on the manifestation of the disease, nor on complications or increased mortality of people. JN.1 is a derivative of the omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa in November 2021.
Another variant of interest is BA.2.86, and in the category of variants under monitoring, the WHO included those called JN.1.7, KP.2, KP.3.1.1, KP.3, JN.1.18, LB.1 and XEC.
In Mexico, the JN.1 subvariant has been increasing its presence and according to information from the Ministry of Health, it is one of those that remains in circulation. However, the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains at minimum levels nationwide, with a positivity of 2 percent in samples that undergo laboratory testing.
Health authorities have indicated that the protection of biological drugs available to prevent infection has a greater impact on people with greater vulnerability and risk of serious complications, such as older adults, who live with chronic diseases: obesity, diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure. , cancer, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune conditions and others that reduce the capacity of the body’s defense system.
Since last October 15, the national health system has been applying, free of charge, vaccines against the virus that causes covid-19 in first-level medical units and according to the Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich, the important thing is with the application of biologicals, regardless of the strain they contain, is to stimulate the defense system to produce antibodies that protect against infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Welcome to the Vaccine Bazaar: The Price of Protection!
If you thought shopping was getting more expensive, well, welcome to the vaccine market! Yes, the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine is now dancing between 945 to 948 pesos in your local pharmacy chains, representing a delightful average increase of around 12 percent compared to last winter. I mean, who knew staying healthy could feel so similar to inflation at the supermarket, right? “Excuse me, sir, could you please weigh my immunity?”
Buy Four, Get One Free!
But fear not! Some businesses are trying to ease the pain at the pump—uh, I mean, the price tag—by offering deals. Buy four vaccines and get the fifth free! It’s like a bizarre loyalty program; get five pricks and one’s on the house! Just what you need—an excuse to drag your friends into the store for some vaccine shopping. Perhaps they could throw in a discount for the most vulnerable among us—a buy one, get one free group therapy session to deal with vaccine anxiety!
Pfizer is the Star Performer
At present, we’ve got a one-horse race for the vaccine stars. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen! It’s only the Pfizer vaccine making a splash in the private market, while the competing Moderna vaccine seems to have gotten a bit camera shy since last year. But not to fret—both Pfizer and Moderna have given their products a facelift, updating them to keep up with the latest strains that are sneaking around, like that annoying neighbor who won’t stop borrowing your lawnmower.
Keeping an Eye on JN.1
Now, let’s not forget about the subvariants. The trendy newcomer is JN.1, a derivative of Omicron, which is making waves but has not yet made a significant impact on infections or complications. It’s like the viral equivalent of a movie that everyone talks about, but no one actually goes to see. The World Health Organization has been keeping tabs, putting it in the “watching closely” category, like that difficult teenager who keeps sneaking out after curfew.
What Does This Mean for You?
The good news is that nationally, the SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates remain surprisingly low. Just a 2% positivity rate in lab tests nationally! That means less chance of becoming a COVID statistic and more chance to enjoy that overpriced café latte—guilt-free! Health authorities remind us that vaccines are especially crucial for older adults and those with chronic conditions. So, if you’re part of this group, get those shots! Think of it as an insurance policy against feeling like a poorly run science experiment.
A Free Shot! Literally!
And here’s the kicker! Since mid-October, the national health system has been rolling out the vaccines free of charge at first-level medical units. It’s almost too good to be true—free vaccines to stimulate your immune system! Who knew that all it took to get people hooked on health was a little freebie? It’s like a buffet for your immune system; ‘Load up on those antibodies, folks!’
Final Thoughts
So, as we navigate this slightly absurd landscape of pricing, offers, and variants, one thing is clear: it’s not just about the vaccine anymore. It’s about buying your way back to normality, one jab at a time! Remember, aim for those antibodies, and let’s hope you don’t lose your nerve at the pharmacy when they ask if you’d like to pay in installments.
Stay healthy, my friends, and keep laughing through it all! After all, if we can’t find humor in getting jabbed, what’s the point?