Influenza vaccination is up 10% in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Health reports that the seasonal flu vaccination campaign is higher than the last campaign’s figures in all Health Areas, with a regional increase of almost 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, according to the report prepared this Tuesday, November 19, by the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canarian Health Service (SCS).

The target population vaccinated against the flu by SCS health professionals is advancing in the autonomous community, reaching a total of 153,602 people in this fifth week of the campaign, with an increase of 9.5 percent compared to the same week in 2023. .

To face this 2024-25 flu season, the SCS has received a total of 295,000 doses of vaccine, with a total investment of 2,151,056 euros. Vaccination is free for SCS users and is available to risk groups, essential professionals in the independent community and people who can pass it on to others at high risk of complications.

Regarding covid, 76,114 vaccinations have been carried out so far, with a decrease of 8.6 percent compared to the previous campaign.

The General Directorate of Public Health remembers that the coexistence of influenza and covid continues, so seasonal vaccination this winter of the most vulnerable groups is still necessary. In turn, he explains that vaccination is a fundamental part of prevention, both at an individual level, in people at risk, and for citizens in general, thus gaining greater protection as a group and for the community himself.

Vaccination against flu and covid is indicated for pregnant women, people over 60 years old, people aged five years or older in institutions, people under 60 years old with chronic illnesses , people living with people at risk, and essential workers for the community.

The General Directorate of Public Health emphasizes the role of health professionals, firstly, setting an example by getting vaccinated as they are the target population of this campaign and, secondly, to actively recommend vaccination to the people they treat, because there is no more effective measure. . to increase coverage than the trusted health professional recommends vaccination.

Avoid severe cases of the flu

Health remembers that the vaccine is the most effective way to avoid or pass the flu. To face this season, four types of vaccines are available:

– aimed at the over 6 month crowd. 173,170 doses were purchased, which included an investment of 637,265 euros.

– target population over 24 months. 64,830 doses were purchased with a total amount of 499,191 euros.

– established elderly people and people with a high level of dependency at home; over 60 years of age. 27,000 doses were purchased, which included an investment of 459,000 euros.

– boys and girls between two and five years of age (59 months). It can also be used in patients between five and fourteen years of age, inclusive, with an underlying disease that is not contraindicated. 30,000 doses were purchased, and 555,600 euros were invested.

2024-2025 Seasonal Immunization Recommendations

Each year, flu vaccination recommendations are established in the fall and winter for those population groups who are at higher risk of complications if they become infected, and for people who can be infected. transfer to others who are at high risk of complications.

New this season, the goal of vaccinating children against the flu continues, including vaccination in public schools, to facilitate access to the vaccine. , promote family reconciliation and increase vaccination coverage.

Since the 2021-2022 season, the flu vaccine has coincided with the covid vaccine. The aim of vaccination against the coronavirus is to protect the most vulnerable people and strengthen the protection of health and social workers to reduce morbidity and mortality due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the impact of this disease on essential care service capacity for the community.

Flu/covid vaccine

Taking into account the current epidemiological situation of covid, vaccination during the autumn-winter season (2024-2025) is recommended for the following population groups to reduce the risk of complications or serious conditions to avoid:

– People aged 60 or over.

– People five years old or older, inmates in care centers for people with disabilities and nursing homes, as well as other people who are established for a long time and live in closed institutions.

– People under 60 years of age with chronic diseases such as:

▪ Diabetes mellitus and Cushing’s syndrome.

▪ Morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40 in adults, ≥35 in adolescents or ≥3 SD in childhood).

▪ Chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary or respiratory diseases, including broncho-pulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma.

▪ Chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome.

▪ Hemoglobinopathies and anemias or hemophilia, other coagulation disorders and chronic blood disorders, as well as people receiving blood products and multiple solutions, asplenia or severe splenic damage.

▪ Chronic liver disease, including chronic alcoholism, celiac disease and chronic disease.

▪ Acute neuromuscular diseases and immunosuppression.

▪ Cancer and malignant hemopathies.

▪ Cerebrospinal fluid fistula and cochlear implant or waiting for it, disorders and diseases that lead to cognitive problems: Down syndrome, depression and others.

– Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy and women in the postpartum period (up to six months after delivery).

– Living with people with a high level of immunity, with people with other diseases with a higher risk and with the elderly.

– Workers from health institutions and centers (including pharmacies) and public and private health and social care providers (both health and non-health workers).

– Workers of essential public services, with special emphasis on the following subgroups:

▪ National, regional and local Security Forces and Organizations.

▪ Armed Forces.

▪ Firefighters.

▪ Civil Defense Services.

Flu vaccine

In addition to the previous groups, the flu vaccine is also recommended for:

• Population of children between six and 59 months (5 years) of age.

• Smokers of any age.

• People aged five to 59 with a higher risk of flu complications, those aged five to 18 and receiving long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (an inactive vaccine), people who lives in danger.

• Students in internships in health centers and centers (including pharmacies) and social health centers.

• People with direct working knowledge of animals or their secrets on poultry, pig or mink farms or farms or wild animals (birds, boars or mustelids), such as rangers, vets, farm workers, hunters, ornithologists , environmental representatives, zoo workers, etc. The purpose of vaccinating these groups is to reduce the chance of co-infection with human and avian or porcine viruses, reducing the chance of recombination or genetic exchange between the two. virus.