No Green Light for AstraZeneca Vaccine in Mexico
Mexico denies AstraZeneca's vaccine, greenlights Pfizer's Comirnaty, engages in high-stakes diplomacy, sees justice served in a criminal arrest, confronts security challenges, and deals with extreme weather conditions.
In a week of twists and turns, Mexico finds itself at the crossroads of vaccine authorizations, diplomatic negotiations, and security challenges. Let's dive into the latest events that have been making headlines south of the border.
AstraZeneca's Vaccine Faces A Mexican Roadblock
Mexico's Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) recently threw a curveball in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. The New Molecules Committee of Cofepris refused to give a favorable opinion for AstraZeneca's vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, to be marketed in Mexico. Their rationale? The vaccine supposedly failed to prove its effectiveness against the new Omicron variants in clinical studies. This decision effectively halts the transition from Emergency Use Authorization to Sanitary Registration for AstraZeneca in Mexico. However, it's worth noting that the vaccine still retains its Emergency Use Authorization, thanks to a nod from the World Health Organization (WHO).
