Barcelona Medical College call for health workers to receive booster shots

The president of the Barcelona Medical College (Col·legi de Metges de Barcelona), Jaume Padrós, has called on health authorities to administer Covid-19 booster shots to health professionals. 

Third doses have also been approved for some population groups, and Catalonia has been giving them to elderly care home residents since September 17.

Booster shots will be given to over 70s, immunocompromised people, care home residents, and anyone who received the Janssen vaccine.

As of November 15, 2021, Catalonia has administered 345,731 booster shots to these groups.

Through social media, the president of the Barcelona Medical College explained that he formally requested the give extra vaccines for health workers to the Catalan and Spanish health ministries. 

Padrós argued that health workers were vaccinated many months ago already and are now "highly exposed" to the virus, especially in the context of rising infections and the pandemic trend moving in the same direction as other European countries that have, so far, been hit with a new wave more severe than currently seen in Catalonia. 

The health expert also believes that giving medical workers booster shots would "strengthen" the protective shield of society and warned that winter is could threaten the health system as it is the time of year when respiratory diseases most often spread. 

He also made a call for responsibility from the public, for those who have not been vaccinated to do so.

Catalan-developed vaccine moves to phase two trials

On Monday, it was announced that the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Catalan pharmaceutical company Hipra is advancing to phase two of clinical trials. 

Spanish president Pedro Sánchez made the announcement that the next stage has been authorized on Monday, calling it "extraordinary news" for science, which "shows that Spain can be at the forefront of the response to Covid."

Trials involving 1,100 volunteers will take place in 10 hospitals across Catalonia and Spain, following funding from the Spanish government to the tune of €15m.

Vaccine progression

As of November 15, 2021, 6,004,880 residents have been given the first dose of the vaccine, 75.9% of the total population. Out of those, 5,172,075 have also been administered a second dose (65.5% of the total population). 

5,907,809 residents are considered to be fully immunized (74.6%). Under 65s who have already had the virus are only required to have the first dose, and others have received a single-dose jab. Therefore, the % of two doses administered and % fully immunized do not match.

Under 65s who have already had the virus are only required to have the first dose, and others have received a single-dose jab. Therefore, the % of two doses administered and % fully immunized do not match.

Third doses have also been approved for some population groups, and Catalonia has been giving them to elderly care home residents since September 17.

Who has a right to a Covid-19 booster shot?

Booster shots will be given to over 70s, immunocompromised people, care home residents, and anyone who received the Janssen vaccine.

As of November 15, 2021, Catalonia has administered 345,731 booster shots to these groups.