The military government of Extremadura will start a vaccination campaign against seasonal influenza and covid-19 on October 16 to protect the most vulnerable groups in the autonomous region. The goal set by the Extremadura Health Service (SES) for this joint vaccination campaign, which will end on January 31, 2024, is to achieve a vaccination rate of 75% of the elderly, health and social health staff %, and over 60% of pregnant women and people with risk conditions. The autonomous region has 50,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which will be increased as the campaign progresses to combat the new XBB.1.5 variant. It also has 100 doses of the vaccine from HIPRA Laboratories, designed for those with contraindications to injectable RNA vaccines. The campaign targets people at higher risk of complications or serious illness, with priority given to residents of social health centers and seniors aged 80 and above. Vaccination is compulsory for persons over 60 years of age; prisoners in centers and residences for persons with disabilities, as well as long-term institutionalized persons and residents of closed institutions. People under 60 years of age who have medical conditions that increase their risk of getting the flu or coronavirus; Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy; Women who have not been vaccinated during the postpartum period (within 6 months after giving birth) and during pregnancy. Likewise, people who live with someone who has serious medical complications if they have these conditions. Essential professionals must also be vaccinated to reduce the impact and maintain critical and essential services in the community. Staff of public and private health and social hygiene centers and institutions, as well as staff of essential public services such as national security forces and institutions, civil protection and firefighters. As for vaccination specifically against influenza, as a new initiative this year, vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 to 59 months and for smokers under 60 years of age. In this event, SES invested 3,353,282 euros to purchase 340,300 doses of influenza vaccine, an increase of 27,000 doses compared to the previous event. Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination In view of scientific evidence and new recommendations from health authorities, from this year onwards, COVID-19 vaccination will be carried out seasonally during the period of the year when the virus is most spread, coinciding with influenza. It is generally not recommended that people under the age of 60 without risk factors receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is recommended regardless of the number of previous doses, but at least 3 months must have passed since the last vaccination or infection. The target group of this activity is as long as they can travel, and the vaccination locations are local health centers or clinics that are frequently visited. If you do not belong to SES but belong to Muface, Mugeju and Isfas Mutual Aid Association, vaccination will be done at the health center or clinic closest to your home.
