“There are hospitalized patients with pneumonia between 30 and 60 years old”: influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available even in supermarkets | Community | Guayaquil

Fear of getting sick. That’s why Juan Farías, 68, came outside a supermarket on Rodolfo Baquerizo Nazur Avenue in Alborada, north of Guayaquil. This is where the flu vaccination campaign begins.

Vaccination against the disease officially began last Tuesday at the national level. Health Minister José Ruales warned that day that 5 million doses of the vaccine would be used as a preventive measure during the El Niño warning, as respiratory diseases are expected to rebound with climate change. This event is held at the Volkswagen Fortress.

“Even if there is no vaccine, don’t wait to get sick”: Guayaquil starts flu vaccinations amid strong demand

Juan, a resident of Phase 4 of Alborada, commented that his brother became seriously ill with COVID-19 and the flu, so he received the vaccine to avoid hospitalization.

“Look, it says November 11, 2022. Now, it’s my turn, now they’re giving it to me,” said the man, who was in line with a dozen people also hoping to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines . ..

Maria Luisa Guerra, who also lives in Arborada, was also present. She said she went shopping in the supermarket and saw a large group of people being vaccinated and decided to participate in the event.

“I think it’s good that they’re spread out over a large area because sometimes you don’t have time to go to a health center, so it’s better to find them somewhere you go every day,” she said.

Guayaquil’s senior citizens gather at 9 Avenue October to celebrate their International Day with a parade and dance

Likewise, other citizens who come to make transactions at the bank or shop in this area of ​​Alborada also take advantage of this opportunity.

Intensive care physician Alberto Campodónico staff Doctors from the JFK Alborada Clinical Hospital explained that older people should take precautions against contracting the flu or COVID-19 at this time.

“I have patients in their 30s, 50s and 60s hospitalized with pneumonia, one of whom is in the ICU (intensive care unit), not serious, but significant. Although some had COVID-19 last year, They can become infected again, which is why it’s important for people to prevent themselves through advances in vaccination,” the doctor explained.

He added that the patient had respiratory symptoms when he arrived. “The more people are covered, the fewer cases of influenza and COVID-19, which is why bivalent vaccines are recommended,” he suggested.

Flu vaccines are available free of charge at all health centers across the country. (Yo)