The Government of Extremadura will start tomorrow, October 16, a vaccination campaign against seasonal influenza and covid-19 to protect the most vulnerable groups in the autonomous community, which will end on January 31, 2024.
The Extremadura Health Service (SES) has set a target for this joint vaccination campaign of 75% vaccination coverage for the elderly, health and social health workers, pregnant women and high-risk groups More than 60%.
Extremadura has 50,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which will be increased as the campaign progresses to combat the new XBB.1.5 variant, according to the commission in a press release.
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 who have medical conditions that increase their risk of getting the flu or coronavirus; pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy; and women who have not been vaccinated within six months of giving birth and during pregnancy.
Likewise, people who live with someone who has serious medical complications if they have these conditions.
Professionals who are essential to reducing the impact and maintaining critical and essential services to their communities are another group that must be vaccinated.
These include staff in public and private health and social hygiene centers and institutions, as well as staff in 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.
The SES explains that in light of scientific evidence and new advice from health authorities, from this year onwards, Covid vaccinations 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 three months must have passed since the last dose 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 are not affiliated with SES but are affiliated with Muface, Mugeju and Isfas Mutual Aid Association, vaccination will be done at the health center or office nearest your home.