Omicron XBB.1.5 Vaccine Now Available in Mexico’s Major Pharmacies
:Mexico City – Starting this week, Mexicans can access Pfizer’s latest weapon against COVID-19, the Comirnaty Ómicron XBB. 1.5 vaccine, as it becomes available in prominent pharmacy chains across the country.
Pharmacies such as Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Benavides, Farmacias San Pablo, and Farmacias Guadalajara are set to offer the updated vaccine for purchase and application. Although Puerto Vallarta awaits availability, four pharmacy chains have already stocked Pfizer vaccines since December 20.
Farmacias San Pablo initiated sales in 77 branches across Mexico City, State of Mexico, Morelos, Querétaro, and Puebla. For Farmacias Benavides and Guadalajara, vaccinations are accessible in specialized clinics in Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. Meanwhile, Farmacias del Ahorro will administer Comirnaty doses without an appointment, alongside influenza vaccines, in their specialized offices.
Cofepris granted health registration for Pfizer and Moderna’s anticovid vaccines on December 7, after a two-month evaluation, ensuring their safety and efficacy. Mexico received its first shipment of Pfizer vaccines for public sale on December 15.
The Comirnaty vaccine is available in two presentations: one for children aged 5 to 11 and another for individuals aged 12 and older. Health professionals recommend both doses, administered at least three months after the last booster.
However, access to the doses will be limited to health points with special licenses, restricting availability in all pharmacies, according to the National Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Canifarma).
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador clarified on December 19 that his government does not intend to regulate vaccine prices in the private market. He emphasized that free vaccines remain accessible to the population, eliminating the need for pricing controls.
Selected Farmacias del Ahorro began offering the vaccine on December 20 at a cost of 859 pesos in 400 of its 1,800 locations. Clinics in Mexico City, such as Womedic and Healthe c, also reported vaccine availability with medical supervision, ranging in cost from 1,500 to 2,000 pesos. However, prices at Farmacia Guadalajara and Farmacia Benavides are yet to be disclosed.
