Abdala (vaccine)

Abdala is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Cuba. It is a protein subunit vaccine, which uses a harmless piece of the virus to trigger an immune response in the body.

Aplicación_de_vacuna_Abdala

Development and Testing

The development of Abdala began in 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine was named after a poem by the Cuban national hero, José Martí. The vaccine underwent three phases of clinical trials, with the results indicating a high level of efficacy against the virus.

Efficacy

According to the data released by the Cuban health authorities, Abdala has an efficacy rate of 92.28% after three doses. This makes it one of the most effective vaccines in the world, comparable to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Administration

Abdala is administered in three doses, with a two-week interval between each dose. The vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm, similar to other COVID-19 vaccines.

Side Effects

Common side effects of the Abdala vaccine include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and fever. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

Global Use and Distribution

As of August 2021, Abdala has been authorized for use in several countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. The Cuban government has also expressed its intention to offer the vaccine to tourists visiting the country.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccination
• COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba
• Vaccination in Cuba