This fall’s flu campaign features novel approaches to vaccination against seasonal viruses. Children aged six months to six years will not receive an injectable dose, but an intranasal dose, so they do not need a puncture. The measure, available to some 4,000 minors, applies only to the GAI in Ciudad Real, one of six in the province.
Eva Gil, nurse and coordinator at Health Center 3, explains that it is important for minors to receive the flu vaccine because “in the first year of life, children are more susceptible to various types of viruses.” Vaccinate minors “when they enter day care centers,” not only for them but also for caregivers who may be exposed to the virus. When minors become ill, they are usually cared for by the elderly and grandparents. “Vaccines can prevent children from becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalization.”
The coordinator pointed out that the intranasal vaccine is yet another vaccination modality, although this is the first time it has entered the Sescam calendar. So far, this vaccine only exists in pharmacies, and you can buy some through this vaccination method. In fact, there are already some families opting for this flu shot for their children, although punctures are generally not an issue because “administration by pediatric nurses is impressive” and children “don’t realize they’re getting the shot because they start to spread out” their attention. ”
Flu campaign launches intranasal vaccine for children – Photo: Rueda Villaverde
“Getting the vaccine is similar to the nasal rinse we do in pediatrics,” said nurse Verónica López, who explained that the system is an injection that is placed in the nostril and can be administered by just squeezing . Of course, the intranasal vaccine is just as effective as the injectable vaccine, the center coordinator said. “It’s going to be effective and have the same effect on them.”
More photos:
