COVID update: vaccine, testing, and numbers

 

January 2021

 

Just as there is much that we still don't know about the SARs-COV-19 virus itself, there is also a lot we do not yet know about how the vaccines are going to be rolled out here in Mexico. We are reading the news daily and checking with authorities, however there are still a lot of unknowns. Amidst the uncertainty, here are some things we do know:

    Vaccines:

     

    • The president of Mexico has promised free vaccination to everyone, without specifically saying if that includes non-citizens. The policy is unclear whether they will vaccinate immigrants such as those with temporary and permanent residency.

     

    • Mexico began immunizing healthcare workers with the Pfizer vaccine at the covid hospitals in Mexico City and Coahuila on December 24th. Baja California Sur started immunizing frontline workers at the COVID hospitals in La Paz and Los Cabos January 13th.
    • Mexico has traditionally been considered a regional leader for immunization, reaching some of the highest levels of childhood vaccinations in the 1990s.
    •  Mexico's military is responsible for transporting the vaccine, however in BCS the distribution of the vaccine will be the responsibility of each hospital or clinic.
    • Mexico will be receiving 400,000 Pfizer vaccine doses weekly, throughout March.
    • Mexico has approved emergency use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, although the vaccine is still in clinical trials.
    • In March, Mexico will begin to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine and will soon be the leader in vaccine production for all of Latin America. They plan to manufacture 250 million doses of which Mexico will have enough to immunize 38,700,000 people, and plan to have vaccinated 20% of the population as of March, reducing mortality up to 80%.
    • Companies are legally allowed to purchase the vaccine abroad to sell and distribute in Mexico. Our vaccine distributors estimate that by March we will be able to purchase a covid vaccine for our patients. Note, we do not yet know the costs nor what limitations we may have.

    Testing:

     

    We have 3 types of tests: PCR, antibody, and antigen

    • The PCR test- the most reliable testing method or Gold Standard and it is the test that is reported to health and government agencies world wide. The downside to this test is that it is more expensive, 

    takes longer to get results and can only be processed in a few laboratories in the state. This test is also not subsidized by the Mexican government, making it harder to lower prices to patients. The results are ready in 24-72 hours and the cost is 4,800 pesos.

     

    • The Antigen test- is a rapid test that requires a nasopharyngeal sample. It is best used to rule out an active coronavirus infection. If a patient tests positive with no symptoms, a confirmatory PCR test or isolation measures may be recommended. If a symptomatic patient is negative, confirmatory PCR testing or isolation measures may be recommended. All results should be evaluated taking into account the clinical symptoms of the patient, which can only be done by a physician. The Antigen Test cost 1,200 pesos, so it is more affordable to the general community.

     

    • The Covid Antibody rapid blood test- This test detects the immune response to the covid-19 virus. It is recommended for people who want to know if they had the disease or who want to be discharged after having the disease. Patients can present antibodies up to 14 to 21 days after the onset of symptoms. Some people do not generate detectable antibody levels for the test.

     

    As of today (January 15th, 2021) Canada requires the PCR to enter the country and the United States requires either the PCR or the Antigen test.

    The numbers:

     

    The latest report on the state´s coronavirus website says we have only had 20 cases and 3 current cases of COVID in Los Barriles (last report January 15th). We know this is not true. From our conversations with the other physicians in town, we estimate at least 100 people have had COVID, and at least 30 currently.

     

    There are several reasons the numbers are not being accurately recorded.

    For one, the epidemiologist´s office in La Paz is backlogged with our epidemiological data. The state only reports PCR tests which are the most expensive tests and the hardest to find. There are only two laboratories in the state approved to process the samples. Additionally, since the majority of people cannot afford the PCR test, they are choosing to stay home and isolate for 2 weeks. The cases of COVID in Los Barriles remain clusters of families. Many families gathered over the holidays, just like in the US and that is why we are seeing a surge in cases.

    Now that so many locals in town have had COVID, everyone knows someone who has had it and the community is taking the virus more seriously. Many people even have a loved one or family member who has died or almost died due to complications. Please continue to socially distance, wear your masks, wash your hands, and respect the rules in place at local businesses and restaurants. It's our responsibility as immigrants and tourists to take care of the community we all love.

     

    This is what we know as of today. News and guidelines regarding the virus is constantly evolving. Please follow our Facebook page or add yourself to our email list via our website for more updates: www.eastcapehealthcenter.org

     

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    East Cape Health Center Plaza Libertad Los Barriles, BCS 23330 Mexico
    624 124 8203

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