Health authorities in the Isle of Youth have begun administering a new booster dose against COVID-19, targeting vulnerable groups, in response to the emergence of omicron subvariants and their increasing circulation worldwide.
According to the official newspaper Victoria, the vaccination campaign began on Thursday, July 24, at the family doctor and nurse clinics.
The person in charge of the process, Licenciada Olvia Oliva Ojeda, head of the Nursing Section of the Municipal Directorate of Public Health, specified that the booster is administered to seniors, health sector workers, individuals with chronic diseases, and children upon reaching two years of age.
The vaccine used is Abdala, authorized for emergency use in Cuba since July 2021.
According to the authorities, Abdala maintains adequate levels of effectiveness, safety, and immune response, which justifies its use as a booster dose.
Those who have had at least 12 months since their last immunization can receive this dose, regardless of the number of previous boosters.
The beneficiaries include individuals in nursing homes or care facilities for the elderly, patients with renal failure, cystic fibrosis, HIV, chronic psychiatric illnesses, obesity, type I and II diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, COPD, or liver cirrhosis, as well as medical students and other healthcare workers.
The official Prosalud Guamá profile reported on Facebook that, in light of the emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus and their increasing circulation globally, it has been decided to administer a booster dose — the fifth in some cases — to specific groups of the population in Santiago de Cuba.
According to the publication, this new stage of immunization is aimed at individuals who belong to high-risk groups and who received their last anti-COVID dose at least 12 months ago, regardless of how many prior boosters they have had.
For its part, Radio Jaruco reported on Facebook that the Noelio Capote Comprehensive Teaching Polyclinic has announced a mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19 on Friday, August 1st, in Bainoa, a locality in the municipality of Jaruco, in the province of Mayabeque.
The campaign is aimed at all individuals over the age of 19. According to Rosa María Ojito Luis, head of the immunization program in the municipality, the activity will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the three community clinics, where a booster dose of the Cuban vaccine Abdala will be administered.
Although authorities have insisted that the COVID-19 situation in Cuba is under control, they have advised maintaining epidemiological surveillance and basic protective measures, such as wearing masks in enclosed spaces or when experiencing respiratory symptoms, to prevent possible outbreaks.
At the beginning of the month, the national director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Francisco Durán García, warned on national television about the possible circulation of a new subvariant of the coronavirus in Cuba, identified as XFG, also known as Stratus, a descendant of the Omicron variant.
During his regular appearance on national television, Durán explained that although this subvariant has not been officially detected in the country, "it is very likely that it is present," due to its widespread global transmission and the fact that it can be spread during the asymptomatic period.
Days later, he downplayed the circulation of a new variant of COVID-19, while reiterating preventive recommendations for the population.
The specialist addressed the concern raised in recent days regarding the possible presence in the country of the XFG subvariant—also known as Stratus—descendant of Omicron and in international circulation since January 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose in Cuba
Why is Cuba administering a new booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Cuba has decided to administer a new booster dose due to the emergence of Omicron subvariants and the increase in their circulation worldwide. These measures are aimed at protecting vulnerable groups in the population, such as the elderly, healthcare workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
What vaccine is being used for the booster in Cuba?
The vaccine used for this booster dose is Abdala. It has been authorized for emergency use in Cuba since July 2021 and is considered effective and safe, maintaining adequate levels of immune response.
Who is eligible to receive the new booster dose in Cuba?
The new booster dose is intended for older adults, healthcare workers, individuals with chronic illnesses, and children who have turned two years old. It can also be received by those who have passed at least 12 months since their last vaccination, regardless of the number of previous boosters.
What is the current situation of COVID-19 in Cuba according to the authorities?
Cuban authorities assert that the COVID-19 situation is under control, but they have advised maintaining epidemiological surveillance and basic protective measures to prevent possible outbreaks. Vaccination continues to be a key strategy for keeping infection levels low.
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