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Without knowing the details or the times of the negotiations between the laboratories and the governments, it was learned through press agencies that in mid-October Mexico announced the closing of negotiations with three laboratories for the acquisition of vaccines.
(Can read: Mexico applies the first dose of the vaccine against covid-19)
In fact, it was learned that in November the pharmaceutical company Pfizer filed with Cofepris (Mexican Health Agency) the request for approval of emergency use of its vaccine, which was approved on December 12.
In the case of Chile, the government of that country made public in early November that they had already signed a contract with Pfizer and that they had the distribution and logistics mechanisms ready. By then, the only thing missing was the authorization of the health agency that was defined on December 16.
As is known, the authorization of the health agency in each country is the definitive step to start vaccination and both countries already have it.
(In context: Mexico and Chile start this Thursday with vaccination against covid)
In Colombia, the closing of the negotiations with the Pfizer and Astrazeneca laboratories took place between December 16 and 18. Meanwhile, the Government processes the regulatory framework that allows the authorization of emergency use, through a Decree that ends its public consultation on December 24 and should be issued before the end of the year.
(Further: When can you get vaccinated in Colombia? Know the phases and who will have priority)
Only until that moment can Invima initiate the study that leads to health authorization. The draft decree provides that the process could take between 20 and 55 business days. By that time, and if the Pfizer units are already in the country and all distribution and logistics issues have been resolved, vaccination can begin.
In countries that signed technology transfer contracts with some laboratories to fill & finish vaccines (filling and packaging processes) such as Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, in addition to having these biologics faster, they undoubtedly have more access to them. .
(We suggest you read: With 1.7 million doses of Pfizer vaccination begins in February)
Colombia completed its purchases, which included the definition of a legal framework for the financing of the biological as well as the issuance of unprecedented rules for the emergency use of these products, which will be issued in the coming days.
This explains why some neighbors are ahead of us in the vaccination process.
(You can continue reading: Argentina receives first shipment of Sputnik V against covid)
HEALTH UNIT
