(Credit: CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP via Getty Images)
Editor's note:
Judy Meana is governor of the province of Panama and belongs to the Liberal Republican Nationalist Movement.
She has been a reporter, news anchor, spokesperson for the Presidency of Panama during the government of Ricardo Martinelli, Communications Manager for the Spanish electricity company Unión Fenosa and Vice President of the Panama Diamond Exchange company.
The opinions expressed in this article correspond exclusively to its author.
(CNN Spanish) ––
Panama is one of the countries participating in the phase 2 clinical trial of the CureVac experimental vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
The study of the German company, which started at the end of September this year, has 251 volunteers.
I have the privilege of being part of this group of people in this race to find a substance that protects us from the contagion of the new coronavirus.
I found out about the call thanks to my son Rodrigo.
"Mom, they are going to do the vaccine experiment in Panama," he told me as he showed me an ad posted on Twitter from the Cevaxin account, the vaccination and research center that conducts the study in the country.
I asked my son: "Would you wear it?" And he answered without hesitation that he would.
His answer filled me with pride and even more when the expression on his face changed, realizing that he could not volunteer, since he is only 14 years old.
That dialogue with my son gave me the courage to sign up and be part of this process that will last 13 months.
Why did I agree to participate in this study?
I believe in the power of action.
It is not enough to wish for a better tomorrow, you have to get involved in the search for possible solutions.
Obviously, the fact that I am currently governor of the province of Panama generated some attention.
Interestingly, weeks before the study began, many citizens commented on social networks that officials should be the first to be part of the test.
They gave me the injection, after a physical exam, blood tests and even an EKG to check my health.
That same day, they installed an application on my cell phone, an electronic diary to record my data on possible reactions at the injection site or other symptoms to report.
There are six different study groups in this trial.
The goal is to determine the safety and immune response in the body that can protect against infection.
Also, try two doses (six micrograms and eight micrograms) to see which is the most effective.
The chosen dose will go to the next step in the development of the vaccine.
There are two control groups: one that has received the pneumococcal vaccine and the other, that of hepatitis A.
Since the trial is 'partially blind', I don't know which group I belong to.
So far, I have not had or experienced any side effects.
I am calm and ready for my second vaccination.
It will be 393 days in which, beyond being aware of symptoms or reactions in my body, I have the commitment to take care of myself, because we continue living with covid-19 and we must protect ourselves: use the mask well, wash your hands constantly and maintain physical distancing.
We all have to stay alert and take advantage of this situation to generate changes in health services.
This essay has allowed me to see the organization and monitoring of the medical team.
Likewise, we must aspire for our system to provide better primary care to the vulnerable population.
It's time to side with science.
covid-19 pandemic