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this Get annual flu vaccine According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), this is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza. However, vaccination coverage in Europe remains low compared with the 75% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO). To protect public health, the pharmaceutical company Viatris announced that it will send its medicines for the 2023-2024 production season to Spain. quadrivalent vaccine Fight the flu, Influvac Tetra.
In preparation for the 2023-2024 season, recommendations for target groups for the vaccination campaign have been significantly revised.Now, the priority is Healthy children aged 6 months to 5 years are vaccinated. Likewise, the age range has been determined Vaccination for people over 60 years old, Revised reference from previous 65 years. The care needs of people who smoke are also highlighted. These adjustments are designed to meet current needs and maximize protection against seasonal influenza.
According to the World Health Organization, vaccination can reduce influenza-related morbidity by 60% and mortality by up to 80%.
Up to 50 million people in Europe are infected with seasonal influenza viruses each year. In addition, the mortality rate is more significant among high-risk groups. Taking Spain as an example, during the 2019-2020 campaign, 619,000 people attended primary care consultations for influenza, of whom 27,700 were hospitalized, 1,800 were admitted to ICU, and a total of 3,900 people died.
as stated Jose Antonio FucadaPresident of the Nursing and Vaccine Association (Anenvac), “Due to the epidemic and vaccination rollout, vaccination rates among high-risk groups have increased in the 20-21 season. Before Covid, our coverage for people over 65 years old started at 55% and reached 75%. Health workers and The number of pregnant women also increased significantly. Subsequently, these rates have remained constant, but dropped slightly in the 21-22 and 22-23 seasons.
Therefore, experts remember, “We must focus on making people aware of the true importance of influenza and debunking the myth that influenza is not a serious illness. We must remember that it kills 3,500 to 4,000 nationally, depending on the season People die from the flu.”Add to.
According to the ECDC, annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent seasonal flu
According to the World Health Organization, vaccination can reduce influenza-related morbidity by 60% and mortality by up to 80%. Thus, for those over 64 years of age, 26% of hospitalizations, 40% of ICU admissions and 37% of deaths were averted as a result of vaccination during the 2019-2020 campaign.
In this sense, joao madeiraGeneral Manager of Viatris Spain pointed out “It is important to be prepared for the next flu season. At Viatris, we are firmly committed to working closely with agencies and supply markets to ensure access to our flu vaccines.”.
“Influenza vaccines are a top priority for the company as we are committed to doing our best as a reliable partner in influenza immunization”The head of Viatris Spain added. “We recognize the importance of raising awareness of the risks of influenza and the need to increase vaccination rates to extend the protection offered by the vaccine, not just to the most vulnerable, but to all people aged 6 months and over.”he concluded.