New vaccines against coronavirus and influenza have been jointly administered in Granada since Monday. The campaign starts with people aged over 85, nursing home users and disabled people, as well as health and social care staff. According to the Andalusia Vaccination Plan (Andavac), the list will gradually be opened to other vulnerable groups.
Among the most notable of these novelties is a new vaccine called Comirnaty Ómicron XBB.1.5, which is what most Grenadians have received. Pfizer/BioNTech has adapted it to suit the Kraken variant currently most prevalent in Europe. For people 16 years of age or older who have contraindications to messenger RNA vaccines, Bimervax from Spanish multinational Hipra can be injected.
Starting from October 16, the general population over the age of 70; pregnant; large dependents and their usual caregivers; the population of children six months or older and adults at risk – due to certain diseases and vulnerable groups. Regarding the infant flu dose (first raised at the last event), this includes groups of children aged 6 to 59 months. “This vaccination has proven to be highly effective in Andalusia, preventing severe cases of influenza in vaccinated boys and girls during the 2022-23 season,” Andavac said.
From October 30, double doses of the vaccine will be available to the general population over 60 years of age; personnel from penitentiary institutions, state security forces and corps, firefighters and civil protection services. Starting in December, it will be the turn of people with chronic illnesses and cohabitants of pregnant women, depending on the availability of doses.
Likewise, it should be noted that new indications for influenza vaccination are emerging. It will be first recommended for smokers – due to start in December – and for those with direct occupational contact with animals, such as ranchers, veterinarians, farm workers or hunters – from 30 October.
Appointment request
The vaccination teams of the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) will go to residential centers for the elderly and disabled to vaccinate prisoners from October 9, 2023, so no appointment is required. From October 16, they will also go to the homes of highly dependent people.
Reservations are required after that. Gradually, for those who require influenza and/or covid-19 vaccination according to their age, it will be possible to make a request through the usual channels: ClicSalud+ website, Salud Andalucía app, Salud Responde app, by phone ( Salud Responde ) or by contacting you health center.
During the campaign, people who do not fall into the target groups will not be vaccinated, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or have a history of infection. People who request it after a personalized assessment can receive the vaccine outside of the event.
The Ministry of Health plans to administer 2.2 million doses of influenza vaccine and novel coronavirus vaccine. Andalusia’s vaccination plan recalled that vaccination is “strongly recommended” for all target groups, as past safety measures, such as masks and social distancing, are no longer suitable.