The Community of Madrid has vaccinated 3,855 babies against meningitis B during the month of Januaryin accordance with the new Lifetime Calendar – which came into force at the beginning of this year – which introduces this immunization for children born on or after November 1, the Community has reported.
In accordance with this program established by the General Directorate of Public Health of the Ministry of Health, in this same period 22,028 elderly people between the ages of 75 and 80 have been inoculated against herpes zoster, in addition to those who have reached 65 , as also contemplates the update of the regional program on the subject for this year.
Of the total, 5,315 correspond to people from risk groups, that is, with underlying diseases. Another novelty included in the Calendar is immunization against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to boys who turn 12 this year. In total, 445 minors have also been inoculated with the antigen throughout the month of January.
Vaccination against these diseases, as well as those included in the new Lifetime Calendar of the Community of Madrid, is carried out in health centers and local clinics, mainly public hospitals of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS). and the Vaccination Center of the Community of Madrid, among other points authorized by the General Directorate of Public Health.
The new program includes the systematic administration of doses from the prenatal period to the population over 60 years of age, and incorporates new indications in order to increase the protection of citizens against different diseases.
In the case of meningococcus B, it is applied to babies born from November 1, 2022, and is offered with a three-dose regimen: at 2, 4, and 12 months of age. In addition, it continues to be administered to risk groups.
This immunization can help protect against diseases caused by this bacteria, including meningococcal meningitis type B.
For his part, The vaccine against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been administered since January to both boys and girls born in 2011, and with a regimen of two doses separated by at least six months. The antigen is also applied to people included in risk groups.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious diseases in women, such as cervical cancer, but it can also cause injuries to men, who also act as transmitters. Among other pathologies, it can generate genital warts, anal cancer, neck or mouth.
Immunization is more effective before the beginning of sexual intercourse, hence its administration at an early age is recommended.
Finally, the Community of Madrid Lifetime Calendar extends immunization against herpes zoster to people aged between 75 and 80 years.
In addition, the indication introduced in 2022 for those aged 65, those born in 1942 and 1957 pending vaccination and those with risk conditions is maintained.
It requires two doses, which are injected 2 to 6 months after the first. Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Once the childhood infection is overcome, it can remain confined and dormant until decades later it is reactivated either due to advanced age or due to a disease that lowers the defenses. It manifests as a skin rash with characteristics similar to chicken pox, which can be extremely painful.
Vaccine throughout life
The General Directorate of Public Health of the Community of Madrid indicates that vaccination is important throughout life. It begins in childhood and adolescence and requires continuity into adulthood to strengthen immunity and achieve a greater impact in the control of preventable diseases.
In addition, it guarantees adequate protection throughout life, contributing in turn to a healthy life and healthy aging.
