Fourth vaccine dose approved for immunocompromised people

Immunocompromised people will be the first ones to get a fourth Covid-19 vaccine in Spain.

On Thursday, the government in Madrid and regional cabinets agreed to approve the jabs for this population group, as well as those who are receiving treatments with immunocompromising medicines.

The shots will be given five months after the person's third dose. Booster shots first began to be administered in mid-September, meaning that no one will receive the fourth one until, at least, mid-February.

The decision was made along with the decision to approve booster shots for all adults aged 18 to 39, who will be able to book their appointments in the near future.

The waiting period to get the third dose has also been reduced from six months after a second dose, to five, not only for immunocompromised people, but for anyone eligible to get it.

As of January 12, 2022, Catalonia has administered 2,414,126 third doses (30.8%). Official data show that 33.8% of residents have received a booster shot (which includes those who had a third jab plus people who only got one jab in the initial vaccination series and then received a booster, their second shot).  

Also on Thursday, authorities decided to set the price of self-performed antigen tests at a maximum of €2.94, starting from this Saturday.

This comes after weeks of public outcry at the high prices of the tests compared to other European countries, leading the Spanish government to regulate their price.