In Spain, influenza causes an average of 28,000 hospitalizations each year

On average, in Spain, influenza causes every year 28,000 people hospitalized; In the 2017-2018 season, as many as 15,000 people died from the disease. When it comes to childhood influenza, two-thirds of hospitalizations in our country occur in otherwise healthy children. That’s why increasing vaccination rates is critical. To this end, the Spanish Vaccine Association (AEV) seeks to encourage influenza vaccination through a new campaign.Therefore, his campaign “The best plan this winter”, It is aimed at people aged 60 or over, vulnerable groups and parents of children aged six months to four years for whom the flu vaccine is recommended for the first time. In this way, after the first few weeks of the vaccination campaign, AEV is now working to raise awareness among those who remain doubtful or reluctant.

avoid hospitalization

Although it may not seem like it, people begin to face more risks as we age, even if we look young and healthy. Just as we exercise to stay in shape, we must also get vaccinated to keep our immune systems strong. Vaccines are our best chance of protecting ourselves. Vaccination is a healthy way of life,” explains Jaime Pérez, President of the Spanish Vaccinology Association. The scientific community insists that vaccines are the best weapon against hospitalization. Nonetheless, Cut risk of hospitalization with flu in half For adults, including those over 60, about 39% of deaths could be prevented. For children under five, pediatrician Fernando Moraga-Llop warns that “the burden of influenza illness is very high”.So, remember, 2019 has a Children under 5 have the highest number of hospitalizations per capita (52.4/100,000 residents) higher than those aged 65 or older (40.7/100,000 residents). “Children’s vaccination coverage is generally over 95%, but in terms of childhood influenza vaccination, experience in other countries tells us that coverage does not reach 60%. This is the first time that influenza vaccination for these boys and girls has been included in the calendar. One year, we have to work hard to make sure that coverage is good,” he explained.