The health minister explained that the evolution of the virus is likely to continue to have “ups and downs” in the coming months and years
VICTORIA, 16 Aug (Europress) –
The Basque government’s health minister, Gotzone Sagardui, confirmed that Osakidetza will decide from September on whether to carry out a booster vaccination campaign with the COVID-19 vaccine, based on criteria and recommendations developed by experts, and if, as was done last year for a large part of the population, all The booster vaccine described above is given along with the annual flu shot.
In an interview with Euskadi Irratia, collected by the European publication, Sagardui acknowledged that data on the evolution of the coronavirus in July showed an increase in the incidence of the virus in the Basque Country compared to previous months.
However, since the figures were released last week, the consultant stressed that the situation is “completely different” from previous years, as insisted by the Basque health service Osakidza.
“More Protected”
“Fortunately, the situation has nothing to do with that,” Sagardui said, noting that while the number of infections had increased, they did not have “the same impact” on the population because they were “suffered more by the virus” due to the outbreak. protection of”. Vaccines and possible previous infections, as the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the risk of the new variant currently circulating to be “low”.
The head of the Basque government’s health department explained that the increase in the number of cases detected in July was part of a background of “ups and downs”, similar to what happens with other viruses such as influenza. As mentioned earlier, in the context of the new crown epidemic, these fluctuations may continue for months and even years to come.
The adviser also mentioned the possibility of administering new booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the public.
In this sense, he reported that experts will meet again in September to analyze the issue, and based on the criteria and recommendations developed by these experts, Osakidza will decide whether to launch a new vaccine against the new coronavirus. agent movement. 19, if said booster is given along with the annual flu shot, as it was done for most of the population last year.
On the other hand, he reiterated that the Health Plan 2020-2030 does not open the door to telematics replacing face-to-face care, despite interpretations to the contrary by some sectors.
Onsite and telematics services
The minister recalled that the document will continue to be processed in September, noting that Osakidza will use the possibilities offered by new technologies to “improve” assistance to citizens, increase and facilitate communication channels and access to health information from patients.
However, he assured that his department has “no intention” to replace “face-to-face” and face-to-face assistance with online consultations.
The consultant also mentioned the construction works of two new buildings in the Donostia hospital complex (one for the future proton therapy center and one for external consultations).
Sagardui announced that an alternative parking lot will be inaugurated to facilitate the parking of vehicles while these works are in progress.
Proton Therapy Apparatus
In addition, he reiterated that the proton therapy facility, with an investment of more than 24 million euros, will serve the entire Basque Country and surrounding autonomous regions.
The new building housing the department, which will use the most advanced treatments to fight cancer and other diseases, will consist of four floors, two of which are underground.
As the facilitator explained, the level below ground level would serve as a bunker because radiation therapy would be administered in this space requiring an isolated environment and important safety measures, he recalled, aiming to make the unit a operate.