Thursday 3/21/2024
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latest update 19:32
To protect public health and prevent the spread of influenza, the Province of Santa Fe has begun its annual 2024 influenza vaccination campaign, application is free and mandatory. It is a fundamental pillar of the province’s immunization schedule, consistent with national Ministry of Health guidance and focused on protecting the most vulnerable and exposed groups.
Target population
Gabriela Clementz, provincial director of the Expanded Program on Immunization (PAI), stressed the importance of the campaign and provided details on its implementation. “On Thursday the 21st, the influenza vaccination campaign begins with the aim of reducing complications, hospitalizations, sequelae and deaths caused by influenza virus infection.”
It will first apply it to health workers, staff and residents of elderly facilities, prioritizing those most at risk of complications.
Vaccination strategies are carefully designed to maximize their impact and effectiveness.Credits: Mauricio Garin
Vaccination strategies are carefully designed to maximize their impact and effectiveness. As Clements explained, “We vaccinate the most vulnerable and exposed groups first and then continue to vaccinate the entire target or recipient population.” This target group includes not only health workers and the elderly, but also pregnant women , postpartum women, children 6 to 24 months, people 2 to 64 years old with risk factors, and people 65 years and older. Additionally, it includes strategic personnel whose performance is critical to maintaining the essential functions of society.
Importance of Annual Dosage
One of the essential features of influenza vaccination is annual vaccination. As the official noted, “Every year we hope that during March/April, the vaccines that have been circulating for that few months will arrive from the National Health Service.” This means that each year a new vaccine will be formulated with a different strain , to protect against circulating influenza virus variants. Therefore, it is important to receive an annual dose to maintain adequate influenza protection.
Vaccination campaigns are carried out at a strategic time, preferably before the onset of winter, which is when influenza viruses spread most. However, vaccination will continue throughout the year, depending on the epidemiological situation, to ensure that people have access to the vaccine at all times.
The vaccination campaign comes at a strategic moment (Image: Mauricio Garin)
Accessibility is a key component. Vaccine doses are available free of charge at all health centers and public hospitals with vaccination centers across the province. This guarantees that it will be accessible to all citizens within the target population, regardless of their economic status or geographical location.
In addition to protecting individuals, flu vaccination helps protect the entire community. By reducing the spread of the virus, the burden on health systems can be reduced and serious complications that can lead to hospitalization or, in extreme cases, death can be prevented.