The world is learning more every day about the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Aruba’s Department of Public Health is following how all Continuous research is carried out and policy on prevention or vaccination is adjusted on the basis of the results.
Recently a recommendation has been published on the vaccination of persons who have been in contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and have recovered from it. As is known, the body of persons who have become infected with the COVID-19 virus and have recovered at some point reacts and makes antibodies against the virus, to the point where a person recovers. COVID-19 test result as is the case with other viral diseases, the person is protected for a while. The question is for how long? The scientists don’t have a concrete answer yet, but based on their research, they are sure that the protection will last for 6 months. This is the reason for the change in vaccination policy for those who received and recovered GOVID-19.
The recommendation for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 6 months is to get only one vaccination dose as a booster to keep their immune system high. Studies show that the antibodies of people who received a vaccine after they received COVID-19 increase dramatically again, more than in a person who had never been infected with COVID-19 and received their first dose of vaccine. Therefore, this recommendation is only for people who can demonstrate by a positive COVID-19 test that they have had COVID-19. This recommendation does not apply to people who think they have already had COVID-19 or to people suffering from immune deficiency disorders.
The individuals who should receive their two doses of vaccine are those who have not received COVID-19, have tested COVID-19 positive for COVID-19 more than 6 months ago, or have the following diseases or health conditions:
- Patients with a malignant tumor diagnosis within the past 5 years
- Patients with chronic kidney disease (patient on dialysis or receiving a transplant)
- Patient who has undergone an organ, stem cell or bone marrow transplant
- Patient with a primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID)
Studies are underway on the immunological response of patients with these health conditions after receiving the vaccine. If necessary, policy can be changed after the results of these studies are known.
