(Updates with measure not applicable to elderly)
MADRID, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Spain's health ministry said on
Wednesday that under 55-year- olds without major health
complications who contracted COVID-19 will have to wait six
months from their diagnosis before receiving a vaccine.
Justifying the decision, the ministry said in a document
defining the national vaccine strategy that cases of reinfection
within six months are "exceptional". So far, the only people
under 55 being vaccinated are health-care professionals.
People older than 55 or those with health risks that make
them more vulnerable to reinfection will be exempted from the
delay, the ministry said.
The measure will apply to the three vaccines currently being
distributed in Spain and is provisional pending any further
research.
Taking an antibody test prior to vaccination is not
recommended, it added.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Nathan Allen and Giles
Elgood)