Flu and COVID vaccines available without an appointment this weekend in Poniente

The Poniente Health District of Almeria, part of the Andalusian Health Service (SAS), will vaccinate residents against influenza and COVID-19 this weekend. First aid points at six health centers will be activated to provide services to users. To get the corresponding doses, there is no need to ask for an appointment, just follow the requirements set out in the current vaccination schedule, as they have been moved.

The vaccination campaign organized by the Poniente Health District of Almeria aims to accelerate the immunization of target groups in the region. It will be held in health centers in Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, Ejido Norte, Adra, Vícar and Berja. Health professionals will be available to the public on December 2 and 3 from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm without interruption. The event will be repeated simultaneously next weekend (December 9-10).

People aged 60 years or older are invited to visit established vaccination sites without making an appointment in advance. Families with children aged 6 to 59 months can also use the weekend to protect small children and those with at-risk medical conditions, whether adults or children 6 months or older. Health workers will review each user’s vaccination record individually and will also vaccinate pregnant women and women who have given birth within the past six months. Finally, professionals from the national security forces and corps can participate without reservation. It is worth mentioning that on Friday, people living with people over 60 years old or with chronic diseases, as well as smokers, will join the vaccination campaign against influenza and coronavirus.

People who fit these demographics can go to the emergency points at the above-mentioned health centers next weekend without making an appointment. The health card must be presented when receiving treatment. Those who wish can request an appointment through its health centre, the Salud Responde app and the ClicSalud website.

Enriqueta Quesada, manager of the Poniente health district in Almeria, appealed to the public. «As a family doctor, I advise families to prepare for the cold weather and gatherings between family and friends that come with Christmas. Vaccination is our primary tool for preventing disease, and is especially important for people with chronic illnesses. If you get the flu this winter and don’t get vaccinated, your risk of heart disease or stroke increases significantly. ” Similarly, he also said that people “should not wait to be called,” but rather need to request an appointment or attend a call if there is no area to organize an appointment immediately.

The vaccination campaign against the 2023/2024 influenza and COVID-19 started on 9 October, with vaccinations given to people in nursing homes and disability centres; people over the age of 85, and health and social care professionals. The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs recommends that all target groups receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations to effectively and safely prevent serious infections from these viruses and avoid hospitalization. Likewise, it recognizes and values ​​the efforts of health professionals, especially nurses, to ensure timely vaccinations.