The flu vaccination campaign has created confusion among people under the age of 60 about whether they can get the vaccine. The chaos has intensified in recent hours as the SES took the extraordinary step of receiving doses in the afternoon without an appointment at 11 health centers in the borough.
Growing interest in preventing this respiratory virus due to an increase in respiratory infections has led some Extremadurans to proactively receive immunizations when they are not among the target groups. Paradoxically, in some cases they accepted piercings, while in others they were rejected.
“I was waiting in line at the Valdepasillas Health Center to get a flu shot and they gave it to me. “I’m not 60 yet and they didn’t ask me any questions,” a woman from Badajoz told this newspaper said.
Another user from the same health district who also spoke to HOY claimed that she had an appointment for a flu shot at her health center yesterday morning. Since he was under 60, they told him he couldn’t receive that dose.
But this happened not only in Badajoz, but also during this extraordinary walk-in campaign. «I went to get a flu shot in mid-December, I’m under 60 years old, I have no risk factors, I don’t live with anyone who is susceptible, and I don’t smoke. I wanted to protect myself because last Christmas I had influenza A and was very ill and at the health center they asked me if I was in danger. I told them no, they were interested in whether I worked for the public. My answer to this is yes. ” recalled a 47-year-old user from the health center of Cáceres. She was not a healthcare professional or an essential professional in critical and essential services such as police or firefighters, but they did give her the vaccine.
Target population
In light of the concerns and questions raised by this newspaper, the Ministry of Health assured that the flu campaign is targeted at targeted groups, regardless of appointment.
This means that the following groups can receive doses: residents of social health centers and the population aged 80 and over, the population aged over 60, prisoners in centers and residences for persons with disabilities and long-term residents in institutions.
This year, smokers and household members living with at-risk individuals are also included.
As for people under 60, they must have a medical condition that increases their risk of getting the flu or coronavirus.
Additionally, pregnant women, women in any trimester of pregnancy, and women who have not been vaccinated after delivery, within six months of delivery, and during pregnancy can also receive the vaccine.
Likewise, people who live with someone who has serious medical complications may also receive this dose if they have these conditions.
Essential professionals in critical and essential services must also be vaccinated, namely personnel from public and private health and social health centers, as well as staff of essential public services such as security forces, civil protection and firefighters.
Regarding influenza vaccination, this year it is also recommended that children aged 6 months to 5 years old and smokers under 60 years old be vaccinated against influenza.