Influenza and fifth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for over 60 and vulnerable populations

Eva Martínez Ochoa, Director of Public Health, said: “A specific date for the start of the autumn-winter 2023-2024 vaccination campaign has not yet been set, but it is planned to start in October, if possible earlier. “Approximately 100,000 doses of flu vaccine have been purchased, as vaccines against the novel coronavirus are allocated to us by the Ministry of Health based on arrival time and demand,” the details said.

La Rioja has a population of nearly 90,000 people over 60 years old, Salud latest news and details of new vaccination campaigns. “While we’re still in the organizing phase, the idea is to have the vaccine in seniors’ homes and the health center for the rest of the population, and that’s what we did last quarter.”

Groups referenced by pins again will again be essentially the same as the previous campaign. In fact, in a document already approved by the interregional committee, the health board ruled out the possibility of universal vaccination of the entire population, but it did point to various “target” groups: all people over 60, Although especially older people over the age of 80 who are at increased risk of serious illness caused by SARS-CoV-2; all people in institutions (homestays, centers for the disabled, prisons…); people under 60 with diabetes, People with chronic diseases such as morbid obesity, cardiovascular and neurological diseases; all pregnant and postpartum women (up to six months postpartum and unvaccinated during pregnancy); those living with immunosuppressed patients (transplant recipients, cancer patients …; health and social hygiene professionals and essential personnel (national security forces and agencies, firefighters …).

“Coronavirus is still around and the alert is over doesn’t mean the virus isn’t spreading, that’s why obviously you have to get vaccinated. We have a highly effective vaccine and it’s been proven, but over time the immunity will wane , so it is important to boost it with new doses, as it is an essential preventive tool,” emphasized Eva Martínez-Ochoa. Targets were set to achieve vaccination coverage last season, which for flu was almost 75% for people over 65 and 96% for those in institutions; The proportion of people over the age of 86.79%; 81.94% of people aged 70 to 79; and 65.83% of people aged 60 to 69. “We must continue to protect the most vulnerable,” Martinez Ochoa stressed.