Start of vaccination: who is the target audience?
As of Monday, the Penedès Health Region has launched a new vaccination initiative focused on influenza and COVID-19. This campaign is aimed at people aged 60 to 80, as well as those under 60 with chronic health conditions, including obesity and immunosuppression. Also included are workers in the health sector and children between 6 months and 5 years, who will receive the flu vaccine exclusively.
The importance of vaccination in the cold months
The primary objective of this campaign is to protect those most vulnerable people who could suffer complications from respiratory infections, which often multiply with the arrival of autumn and winter. Every year, Catalonia manages to prevent more than 34,000 cases of serious diseases thanks to vaccinations.
Key campaign numbers and data
In total, 201,114 people in Penedès have been summoned to receive the flu vaccine, while 179,937 will do so for COVID-19. The first phase of vaccination began on September 23, prioritizing residents in centers for the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.
Available doses and news in the campaign
For this season, Catalonia has acquired 1,768,000 doses of flu vaccine, an amount higher than the previous year. In addition, a new intranasal attenuated vaccine option has been introduced for children between 24 and 59 months, thus expanding the available alternatives.
Objectives of vaccine coverage
The objectives of the Department of Health are aligned with WHO guidelines, with the goal of ensuring 75% coverage among people over 60 and health professionals, as well as 60% among pregnant women and a increase in child immunization.
Where and how to get vaccinated
Residents in geriatric centers receive the vaccinations at the same place of residence, with health professionals taking care of the administration. For the rest of the population, vaccines can be obtained mainly at primary care centers (CAP) by appointment, which can be managed through La Meva Salut or directly at the CAP.
Additional vaccination points
To facilitate access to vaccination, walk-in points have been enabled in Vilafranca del Penedès and El Vendrell, although surprisingly no similar point has been established in Igualada, which houses the Department of Health of the Generalitat.
Final reflections on public health
Tackling the flu and COVID-19 season with efficient vaccination is critical to protecting public health and reducing the burden on health services. The public’s collaboration in this process is essential to achieve the coverage goals and guarantee a healthier winter for all.
