The herpes zoster virus, better known as shingles, has caused more than 600,000 infections in Spain in the last ten years. Despite the fact that an effective vaccine is available from 2022, the Spanish Committee of Nurses (CGE) warns of the low vaccination rate among risk groups. They emphasize this with alarming figures: more than 65,000 hospital admissions between 1998 and 2018 and an increasing incidence, with 76,522 registered cases in 2022.
Shingles (Spanish: herpes zoster) is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. After an initial infection, the virus can remain inactive in the body and become active again later. People over the age of 65 or people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. The vaccine can reduce this risk by 90% and prevent serious complications.
Still, let the willing to receive the vaccine to be desired. In regions such as Andalusia and Valencia, the first dosage level is between 45% and 55%. For the second dose this drops another 10%. According to Pilar Fernández, director of the Institute for Healthcare Training, this is partly due to the fatigue of the population after the pandemic and the impact of anti-vaccination campaigns on social media.
As Spanish Government recommends the vaccine for the elderly and people with serious underlying conditions, such as HIV, cancer or patients receiving chemotherapy. The treatment consists of two doses, with an interval of two to six months. The vaccine is safe and may cause minor side effects such as pain or redness at the injection site, but no serious complications have been reported.
The CGE wants better information and wider access to vaccines. According to nurse Alejandro Cremades from Alicante, awareness is key. “Shinging has a huge impact on patients’ daily lives. By promoting vaccination, we can maintain quality of life and reduce health care costs.”
With an aging population in Spain, it is important to quickly increase vaccination coverage to prevent epidemics. The CGE emphasizes that more initiatives and collaboration with local health authorities are essential to achieve the vaccination goals.
2024-11-21 12:06:00
#vaccination #rate #shingles #infections #Spain
**Based on the interview, what are the primary obstacles preventing widespread shingles vaccination in Spain despite the availability of an effective vaccine?**
## World Today News: Interview on the Rising Threat of Shingles in Spain
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we delve into the alarming rise of shingles cases in Spain and the worrying trend of low vaccination rates. We’re joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Pilar Fernández, director of the Institute for Healthcare Training, and Alejandro Cremades, a frontline nurse from Alicante.
**Section 1: The Shingles Epidemic**
* Dr. Fernández, your institute has been tracking the rise of shingles cases in Spain. Can you paint a picture for us of the current situation? What are the most concerning trends you’re observing?
* Mr. Cremades, you work directly with patients suffering from shingles. Can you share your firsthand experience? What kind of impact does this condition have on patients’ lives?
**Section 2: The Vaccine: A Powerful Tool, Underutilized**
* A vaccine against shingles became available in 2022, offering significant protection. Why, then, are we seeing such low vaccination rates, especially among high-risk groups?
* Dr. Fernández, you mentioned the impact of the pandemic and anti-vaccination campaigns. Can you elaborate on these factors and how they contribute to vaccine hesitancy?
* Mr. Cremades, what are your thoughts on the low vaccination rates? What message would you like to send to people who are hesitant about getting the shingles vaccine?
**Section 3: Bridging the Gap: Access and Awareness**
* The Spanish Committee of Nurses is calling for better information access and wider vaccine availability. Dr. Fernández, what specific measures do you believe are necessary to address these challenges?
* Mr. Cremades, as a nurse on the frontlines, how can healthcare providers play a more active role in promoting shingles vaccination and increasing awareness within their communities?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: A Call to Action**
* With Spain’s aging population, what are the potential consequences if we fail to address the low shingles vaccination rate?
* What are your final thoughts for our viewers? What steps can individuals take to protect themselves and their loved ones from the threat of shingles?
**Closing:**
Thank you to Dr. Fernández and Mr. Cremades for sharing their insights on this critical issue. We hope this conversation has shed light on the concerns surrounding shingles and the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health. Remember to visit world-today-news.com for more in-depth coverage on this topic and other breaking news.
