City taps state-of-the-art refrigeration technology to expand storage of flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines

In order to store, avoid damage and reduce the quantity of transported vaccines used in winter sports (CI), the Municipal Health Directorate (DESAM) purchased four modern clinical refrigerators. The units are located in the Family Health Centers of Alerse, Padre Hurtado, Angelmó and Antonio Varas.

For an investment of up to 9 million pesos, DESAM Director Miguel Aravena explained that it is the equipment – the cutting-edge technology – that puts Puerto Montt in the leading position.

“This means that the community knows that the doses are safe against COVID-19, influenza and the national vaccine program. Each unit costs more than 2 million pesos. We are part of a commune with top-notch technology,” Aravena explained.

Triple capacity

Antonio Varas Jonathan Hermosilla, director of CESFAM, noted that these devices can reduce risks for patients. In the same way, he stressed, they improve the quality of municipal care.

“This way we avoid inventory shortages. We improve quality. We reduce risk for our users,” explains Hermosilla.

Helmuth Leiva, a colleague from CESFAM in Alerse, emphasized that the storage capacity of these devices has been increased threefold in order to improve the application of injections.

“This has benefited us tremendously. It’s the quality and safety of care. An undisputed improvement. They have tripled their storage space,” Leiva said.

In this regard, DESAM reported that the CI program covers 85% of the target population. Includes people over 60 years old, pregnant women, and children from 6 months to 5th grade. Also suitable for chronically ill patients aged 11 to 59 years. The same goes for public and private health workers.

At the same time, he reported that the Salud Conecta hotline 800 650 100 – for people with reduced mobility and bedridden people – is open from Monday to Friday at 10:00 am.