Spanish government stresses importance of flu vaccination this year
The coronavirus has been the main public health problem in Spain for the last year and a half.
However, other problems persist, such as seasonal flu, which are of concern to health authorities.
The Government warns that the coincidence of the flu and Covid-19 can be an explosive cocktail for some patients in risk groups. Therefore, the Ministry of Health launched a campaign on Monday to emphasize that this year it is also important to get vaccinated against the flu.
Through the slogan "I get vaccinated. This year I also make a difference," the Spanish authorities want to stress that, above all, it is important to vaccinate the vulnerable population and their close contacts.
"The synergistic effect observed between the influenza virus and SARSCoV-2 multiplies by two the risk of death in case of coinfection," says the Ministry of Health in a statement.
The objectives of the campaign, in line with what is established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission, are to achieve or exceed vaccination coverage of 75% in the elderly, preferably over 65 years of age, and in healthcare personnel. It also wants to exceed 60% in pregnant women and in people with risk conditions.
Simultaneous administration of vaccines
The Ministry of Health indicates that the relaxation of hygienic measures against Covid-19, due to the drop in incidence, makes it more likely that both infections can coincide.
The influenza campaign, which is starting in all regions between the second half of October and the first week of November, therefore places special emphasis on the need to protect people who are part of the target groups.
At the meeting of the Public Health Commission held on October 15, it was agreed that both vaccines, Covid-19 and influenza, can be administered simultaneously, according to the existing scientific evidence.
The authorities recommend that the administration of the vaccines "be carried out preferably in a different limb."