The over 65s began this Monday to receive the joint administration of the flu vaccine and the fourth dose against Covid-19 in the health centers of the Community of Madrid, a campaign that will be extended, barring epidemiological complications, until next January 31st.
Pedro Cejudo and his wife Paqui were among the first to receive the double administration of the vaccine at the Alameda de Osuna health center, where the Minister of Health of the Community of Madrid, Enrique Ruiz Escudero, also went.
This marriage of 80 and 77 years is vaccinated every year for the flu and since the possibility is offered, together with Covid. “You have to get vaccinated and you have to protect yourself from this shit we had, sorry. And if the way to protect us is with the vaccine, then get vaccinated, “Paqui explained.
The first to receive the injection in this health center were Paco and Concepción, who also opted for joint administration against influenza and Covid. “We don’t want to be bad. You have to get the vaccine and you have to get vaccinated,” Concepción explained.
In total, the Community of Madrid has 1.7 million booster doses of the new bivalent mRNA vaccines, which generate greater protection against the new omicron variants, as well as 1,630,000 doses against seasonal flu, for which it has allocated 19 million euros.
From 31 October it will continue with people aged 60 and over and with risk groups of any age, including pregnant women or the chronically ill. This process is carried out in the primary care network of the Madrid Health Service (Serma) and in authorized points, with a total of 820 vaccination points available.
Vaccines adapted to the new variants
The Ministry of Health thus continues the immunization strategy with vaccines adapted to the new variants, which began at the end of September in residences for the elderly and disabled, in line with the recommendations agreed in the National Health System, favoring the protection of the most vulnerable in a staggered manner.
In this subsequent phase, the booster vaccination against Covid for the target population coincides with the start of the flu campaign, in order to preferably administer the two doses together, since they are mainly aimed at the same risk groups, which are the most vulnerable to both infections.
The goal of the Directorate General of Public Health is to reach 75% of people over the age of 65 and health professionals and 60% of pregnant women with this campaign. Since the second booster dose against Covid-19 began on September 26, more than 50,000 ampoules have been administered.
Media information campaign
Ruiz Escudero, who explained that influenza incidence is expected at 2019 levels, explained that the Community of Madrid will strive to increase coverage in the population groups included in the recommendations.
To raise awareness on protection, the Ministry of Health has launched an information campaign in the media to remind people over the age of 60, health personnel, social health personnel and the population at risk.
The campaign, promoted by the Directorate General of Public Health, will be carried out in the months of October and November in the main radio stations of the region, in advertising media in the public space and in digital media. Under the slogan ‘Get vaccinated against influenza and Covid’, we remind you that it is carried out in health centers and authorized points. The information will be updated on the Community of Madrid website.
In the case of primary care, the user must request an appointment by calling their health center and selecting the vaccination option. The flu immunization campaign, as in previous seasons, will be carried out until January 31, except for changes due to epidemiological reasons.
In addition, the booster dose against Covid and influenza can also be received at the municipal health centers of the Municipality of Madrid, the Community of Madrid Vaccination Center, the hospitals of the Madrid Health Service for patients at risk and health on the job services of health centers, among other authorized points. There is also the Official College of Doctors of Madrid to vaccinate health workers in both cases.
Instead, the Isabel Zendal public nursing hospital continues to administer the fourth booster dose against coronavirus to health and social health personnel and from this Monday also to those over 60 years of age, including members by appointment via the website the Ministry of Health.
