Cuba has made significant strides in vaccinating a majority of its population against COVID-19, with special focus on inoculating children aged two and older. This commendable achievement owes itself to internally developed vaccines, widespread public participation, government investments in health research, and an expansive network of medical services, despite geographical limitations.
While the past challenges of confusion, fake news, and unreliable articles may seem like a distant memory, they’ve left a lasting impact, creating divisions within the population. Much of this phenomenon can be attributed to misinformation disseminated by the media. Hence, it becomes imperative to understand the distinctions between various COVID-19 vaccines.
Types of Vaccines
mRNA Vaccines
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines fall under this category. They utilize messenger RNA (mRNA) carrying instructions to produce specific viral proteins, such as the Spike protein in SARS-CoV-2. Upon entering cells, mRNA prompts the production of viral proteins, triggering the immune system to generate antibodies capable of combating the entire virus.
Viral Vector Vaccines
The J&J vaccine belongs to the viral vector category. It employs a virus, usually an adenovirus, to transport genetic code encoding the spike protein into cells. This prompts the immune system to identify the protein and generate protective antibodies against potential infections.
Inactivated Virus Vaccines
Valneva’s COVID-19 vaccine is an inactivated virus vaccine. It involves cultivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell cultures and deactivating it chemically. When administered, the immune system identifies the inactivated virus as foreign, producing antibodies and T cells in response.
Protein Subunit Vaccines
Cuba’s vaccines operate on the principle of protein subunits. These vaccines utilize specific pathogen components, termed protein subunits, to stimulate an immune response. In the case of COVID-19, a DNA portion containing spike protein information is inserted into a baculovirus. This virus infects cells, enabling spike protein production. Extracted spike proteins are then purified, compacted into viral nanoparticles, and combined with an adjuvant molecule to trigger immune system response upon injection.
Cuba’s Vaccines
Cuba has developed several COVID-19 vaccines, notably Soberana 02, Abdala, and Mambisa. Soberana 02, crafted by the Finlay Vaccine Institute, underwent clinical trials and gained emergency approval in Cuba. Administered in two doses, it has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.
Abdala, developed by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, passed phase 3 trials and received approval for use in Cuba. Given in three doses, it has also shown efficacy in preventing COVID-19.
Mambisa, a vaccine candidate from the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, is under study as a booster dose for convalescents and those fully vaccinated with the initial model. It represents the first nasal protein vaccine candidate entering global human clinical trials.
Challenges and Triumphs
The US embargo on Cuba has significantly impacted its health sector, affecting the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. This embargo has restricted Cuba’s access to crucial medical resources and supplies, posing challenges in acquiring materials necessary for vaccine production and distribution.
Despite these hurdles, Cuba has made remarkable strides in COVID-19 vaccine development. Soberana 02, Abdala, and Mambisa vaccines, developed independently, have achieved higher vaccination rates compared to many countries. Data from John Hopkins University confirms that 94.73% of the Cuban population has received at least one vaccine dose, surpassing rates in Italy (84.16%) and the Netherlands (74.57%).
