Pfizer’s Updated COVID Vaccine to Be Available in Mexico Starting October
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has confirmed that the updated COVID vaccine will be available in Mexico starting this October, following its approval for sale by the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) in August.
Protection Against the Dominant LP.8.1 Variant
The updated vaccine will be administered during the 2025-2026 winter season to protect against the LP.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, which, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), has been the most prevalent globally since February 2025. Juan Luis Morel, Pfizer Mexico’s director, explained this in an interview.
Pfizer’s Commitment to Annual Updates
Morel emphasized, “We are the only ones in Mexico who have been updating this vaccine annually since the pandemic’s onset to address new strains or relevant virus variants circulating.”
Availability and Distribution
The updated vaccine will be accessible through private channels, including pharmacies and authorized application sites, just before the peak season of infections, typically from November to March.
Pfizer’s Contribution to Mexico’s COVID Response
Since the pandemic began, Pfizer has supplied approximately 50 million doses for adults and over 8 million for children in Mexico. These vaccines have been administered to the population.
Recommendations for Vaccine Recipients
While anyone can receive the updated vaccine, it is primarily recommended for older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. Morel advises consulting a medical professional before getting vaccinated.
Affordability of the Updated Vaccine
Although private operators set the final price for consumers, Morel assured that the vaccine’s cost remains accessible and has decreased annually. “Our clients determine the retail price, but we offer excellent value for money,” he stated.
Annual Vaccine Updates Following Global Recommendations
Pfizer follows the annual vaccine update process, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international regulatory agencies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA), to provide protection against emerging COVID variants.
Pfizer’s Focus on Effective Vaccines
Morel highlighted that vaccines are the most effective tool to reduce disease impact and prevent severe cases. “We understand the global population and governments’ benefits, as well as public health management and cost reduction,” he emphasized.
Additional Vaccines from Pfizer
In addition to the updated COVID vaccine, Pfizer recently introduced an improved pneumococcal vaccine in Mexico and is preparing to launch another against the viral respiratory syndrome (VRS) virus.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the updated Pfizer COVID vaccine for? The updated vaccine targets the LP.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is currently the most prevalent globally.
- When will the updated vaccine be available in Mexico? The updated vaccine will be accessible starting October.
- Who should prioritize getting the updated vaccine? Older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic illnesses should prioritize receiving the updated vaccine.
- How affordable is the updated Pfizer COVID vaccine? The cost has been decreasing annually, and private operators set the final price for consumers. Pfizer Mexico’s director assures that it remains accessible.
- Why does Pfizer update its COVID vaccine annually? Pfizer follows recommendations from the WHO and international regulatory agencies to ensure protection against emerging COVID variants.
