Most autonomous regions have already started taking action Flu vaccination (2023-2024), also consistent with the timing of COVID-19.According to him European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), annual vaccination against this disease is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza.In Spain there are several vaccines approved against this virus, belonging to different laboratories, e.g. Viatrice and AstraZenecathey have already begun taking action to prepare the public.
The cost of the flu
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination can reduce influenza-related morbidity by 60% and mortality by up to 80%.During the 2019-2020 campaign, through vaccination, it was achieved Avoid 26% of hospitalizations Among people over 64, 40% were admitted to the ICU and 37% died.
In this sense, a recent study conducted in Spain showed Estimated impact of seasonal influenza In our country, 2008 and 2018 are ten years. One of its main conclusions was that hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory reasons were significantly overrepresented compared to recorded influenza cases.
For every hospitalization with a specific influenza diagnosis, 3.8 additional hospitalizations for influenza-related cardiovascular and respiratory problems are expected.Excessive hospitalizations have not only health consequences but also economic consequences, with estimated annual direct costs of €142.9 million Targeting patients of all ages and providing €115.9 million specifically for patients aged 65 and over.
Likewise, during the analysis, it is estimated An average of 27.7 deaths Flu-related deaths per 100,000 residents across all age groups.
On the other hand, influenza infection has been observed to cause respiratory and non-respiratory complications, with cardiovascular complications being the most prominent.of the total 37 million people hospitalized It is estimated that diagnoses of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases account for 26.4% of hospitalizations in Spanish public hospitals, with 65.6% of patients aged over 65 years old.
Therefore, it was concluded that the estimated excess of influenza-related hospitalizations for all ages during the 10-year study period was Subject to conditions 326,890.
On the other hand, if we only look at activity in 2019-2020, a total of 619,000 people attended influenza primary care consultations in our country, 27,700 of whom were hospitalized, 1,800 people admitted to ICU and 3,900 people died in total, As Viatris Pharmaceuticals explains.
vaccination rate
Spanish flu vaccination rates increased during the 20-21 season.According to the chairman Nursing and Vaccine Association (Anenvac), which is due to the pandemic and vaccination rollout. «Before COVID-19, for people over 65, our coverage started at 55% and reached 75%. The number of health workers and pregnant women has also increased significantly. Subsequently, these ratios have remained constant, but dropped slightly in the 2021-22 and 22-23 seasons.
Experts assure that there is a need to make people aware of the true importance of influenza and debunk the myth that it is not a serious disease. “We have to remember that it kills, and on a national level, Between 3,500 and 4,000 deaths from influenza have been recorded“Depends on the season,” he said.
The new season’s vaccination recommendations include new recommendations for target groups.Specifically, priority has been given to Vaccines for healthy children 6 months to 5 years old The age range for vaccination for the elderly starts from 60 years old, which was revised from the previous 65 years old. The care needs of people who smoke are also highlighted.
Flu vaccine
The seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against infection and illness caused by influenza viruses, which research shows are most common during the upcoming flu season.In general, current flu vaccines are most effective against Influenza B and Influenza A (H1N1) viruses) and provide less protection Influenza A (H3N2) virus), ECDC explains.
Vaccines used each year must contain a range of ingredients that take into account viral mutations. Currently, several quadrivalent vaccines are available in Spain. Some of these are Vaxigrip Tetra or Efluelda from Sanofi Pasteur; Fluarix Tetra from GSK; Fluenz Tetra from AstraZeneca; and Influvac Tetra from Viatris.
The general manager of Viatris in Spain believes that, joao madeira “It is important to be prepared for the next flu season. At Viatris we are firmly committed to supplying the market with guaranteed access to our markets Flu vaccine, Work closely with agencies.
To this end, the company recently announced that it will send products for the 2023-2024 season to Spain. quadrivalent influenza vaccine, Influvac Tetra. The pharmaceutical company clarified that this action is part of its commitment to ensure that the vaccine is available as early as possible, even before the flu season begins.
“We recognize the importance of increasing awareness of influenza risks and the need to increase vaccination rates to extend protection”
“We recognize the importance of raising awareness of the risks of influenza and the need to take measures Increase vaccination rates A Viatris spokesperson added: “We want to extend the protection offered by the vaccine not just to the most vulnerable, but to everyone over six months of age.”
On the other hand, since AstraZeneca The ‘Flu ABCD’ campaign has been launched to educate people about the impact of infection and raise awareness of a disease that can put children’s health at risk.Central to the program is the ABCD Influenza website, which is dedicated to describing the scope of this pathology and Main precautions Fight the virus that causes this condition.