The Public Health Council, representing all autonomous communities and the Ministry of Health, has announced the next influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Spain for the 2023-2024 season.According to the new document Vaccination recommendations for influenza and COVID-19the event will begin in the last week of September and will continue throughout October in different autonomous regions of the country.
One of the main innovations is the inclusion of “health facility” personnel in the target group for vaccination. This means workers at pharmacies and other healthcare-related facilities will be eligible to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the upcoming event.
Also at the meeting held this Tuesday, the evolution of the epidemiological situation with the coronavirus was analyzed. Therefore, they note that in recent weeks, “a slight increase has been detected, which is stabilizing.” The infection rate in primary care is about 130 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In addition, 3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants require hospitalization.
The document also highlights immunization priorities for nursing homes and other care centers for people with disabilities, as well as people aged 80 or older. The strategic importance of health and social health personnel in the fight against the epidemic is recognized.
Meet or exceed 75% coverage
In addition, vaccination is recommended for people with comorbidities that increase the risk of COVID-19 complications, such as chronic heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, obesity and immune deficiencies.
Health authorities are targeting COVID-19 and influenza vaccination coverage of 75% or above for the elderly, health and social care workers, and above 60% for pregnant women and high-risk groups. These targets are consistent with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission.
Finally, information is provided on surveillance conducted by the Coordination Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) during the summer, highlighting an outbreak of botulism cases in June and July, totaling 13 cases. Additionally, five human cases of West Nile virus have been detected in Spain this year, underscoring increased surveillance of vector-borne diseases and the usefulness of mosquito alert platforms. @mundiario
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