The Minister of Health informs about the start of influenza vaccination – El Nuevo Diario (Dominican Republic)

Santo Domingo – The Ministry of Public Health started vaccinations against influenza A (HINI), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B this Wednesday to protect those most vulnerable to the disease. There has been an increase in cases and people visiting the country’s medical centers in recent days with respiratory illnesses.

The news was reported after its owner, Dr. Daniel Rivera, announced the day at a press conference on Wednesday that provided a venue for journalists, communicators and photojournalists covering health sources to gain access to the benefits of the vaccine. influenza.

Rivera recommended that the most vulnerable people go to health centers and vaccination sites across the country to get a flu shot to avoid a large number of infections because the flu spreads more easily.

He said people affected by Covid-19 should pay special attention to getting this vaccine as it helps strengthen the immune system and helps avoid pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

“The disease is showing an upward epidemiological curve, with pediatric hospitals reporting an increase in the number of respiratory cases, especially influenza and pneumonia,” the official added, while recommending the use of masks and proper hygiene care as safety precautions.

He said that the epidemiological manifestations of the disease, namely a significant increase in influenza cases, are not unique to the Dominican Republic and are also seen in other countries in the Caribbean.

Dr. Aida Lucía Vargas, Director of Vaccine Immunoprophylaxis (DIV), reported that starting next week, vaccination will be rolled out nationwide through the District and Provincial Health Directorates (DAS/DPS), which will receive biologics according to their respective populations.

Children aged 6 to 24 months, pregnant women, people over 65 years old, health workers, people with poor health and members of the media are the most vulnerable to the disease and are also targeted for vaccination.

Dr. Vargas said that in addition to the 142 fixed vaccination sites, influenza vaccinations will also be conducted in schools, churches, shopping malls, and sports centers.

Likewise, he stated that they plan to use the 470,000 doses received before the end of the year, or rather, a large number of vaccines before the onset of winter, when the number of cases will increase, so that high-risk groups are properly protected. .

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