Health department begins flu vaccination campaign

To reduce complications, hospitalizations, sequelae, and deaths caused by influenza virus infection among high-risk groups, the National Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide influenza vaccination campaign.

Vaccines are available across the country through vaccination centers in each jurisdiction.

This event targets the following groups:
• Health workers, people aged 9 to 64 years (including those with risk factors), and people 65 years or older receive one dose per year.
• People 6 to 24 months and 2 to 8 years (inclusive) with risk factors must receive two doses, at least 4 weeks apart, except those who have previously received two doses but were allocated one dose.
• Pregnant women should get the flu vaccine at any time during pregnancy.
• Postpartum persons should receive influenza vaccination before leaving the maternity hospital, or up to 10 days postpartum if not vaccinated during pregnancy.

The following are considered risk factors: obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory and heart disease, congenital or acquired immune deficiencies, oncohematological disorders, transplant and/or dialysis patients with chronic renal failure, etc.

The flu vaccine is free for targeted groups, does not require a doctor’s prescription, and can be administered with any other vaccine in the national program. In addition, it is important that everyone who goes to a vaccination center, health center or public hospital brings their own and their children’s vaccination cards so that they can be checked by the health team.

Finally, the state Department of Health emphasizes the importance of prompt influenza vaccination, preferably before the start of winter, when influenza viruses are most spread. However, influenza vaccination will continue to be based on virus transmission based on national, regional and local epidemiological conditions.

Influenza, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness. Typically, most people recover within one to two weeks. However, in extreme cases, pregnant women, and people with risk factors, it can cause serious complications and even death.