The Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba (CIGB) today emphasised the use of domestic COVID-19 vaccines to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants, the virus causing the disease.

According to the scientific centre’s post on social media platform X, Cuba’s healthcare system is promoting booster vaccination with Soberana, an immunogen developed by the Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV), to strengthen COVID-19 ddefences

The message further indicated that for individuals with specific allergies, doses of the Abdala vaccine (designed and produced by CIGB) without thiomersal are available.

Recently, health authorities warned about the potential entry into the country of the XFG subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron strain.

Francisco Durán, National Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health, explained that symptoms include hoarseness, sore throat and mild fever, and may appear in populations with low immunity.

He specified that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines continue demonstrating efficacy against XFG.

Consequently, the specialist recommended protective health measures including vaccination for vulnerable groups, alongside mask usage, hand washing and social distancing when respiratory illnesses are present.