Last Wednesday, the Minister of Health recommended intensifying vaccination due to the high incidence of acute respiratory infections and just yesterday the Government of the Principality took measures in this regard. With the purpose of “facilitating access to people included in risk groups who have not yet been immunized”, the Ministry of Health has decided to enable eight specific points to vaccinate without an appointment against flu and covid-19.
These centers will remain operational as long as the circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses remains at levels as high as current ones. Sources from the Ministry headed by Concepción Saavedra assure that the syncytial virus – the main cause of pediatric brochiolitis – “is in retreat”; the incidence of the coronavirus is decreasing; and the peak of influenza A, now predominant, seems to have begun its decline, “in anticipation of what happens with the return to school.”
The coincidence of these three pathogens has given rise to a ‘tripledemic’ that is straining the health system and, between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, saturated hospital emergencies and health centers. As a consequence of this situation, this week the ministry opted to impose the use of masks in healthcare facilities and pharmacies. Previously, it had already been decided to extend the vaccination campaign beyond December 29, in an attempt to expand the coverage of the Asturian population against flu and covid.
Yesterday, the Principality’s Health Service (Sespa) advanced in this line of action by establishing immediate vaccination points in all health areas of the region.
Sanitary Area II
The Cangas del Narcea Health Center is enabled, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Sanitary Area III
The Outpatient Clinics of the San Agustín University Hospital will be made available to the public, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Health Area IV
The point in this case will be the extraction area of the Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), in Oviedo, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Health Area VI
In Health Area VI, consultation 14 of the Outpatient Consultation area of the Grande Covián Hospital, in Arriondas, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Health Area VII
The entrance to the Vital Álvarez Buylla Hospital is enabled, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
In areas I, V and VIII, service will begin next week
Sanitary Area I
In this way, on Monday, January 15, it will begin in health area I, in the Preventive Medicine Service of Jarrio Hospital, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Sanitary Area V
In Gijón, starting Monday, January 15, the Natahoyo health center will be open from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Sanitary Area VIII
Starting Tuesday, January 16, the La Felguera health center will be available from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Tuesdays.
In addition, Sespa continues with the usual vaccination in health centers, where prior appointments are maintained.
Regardless of this extraordinary measure, Sespa will continue with the usual vaccination, which is managed by appointment through Primary Care. Prophylaxis is indicated for those over 60 years of age, users of nursing homes, immunosuppressed patients and those living with them, the chronically ill, pregnant women, smokers and essential service workers.
Recommendations from Health
Prophylaxis is indicated for people 60 years of age and older, people who live in nursing homes and disability centers, people under 60 years of age with risk conditions, patients with chronic diseases, pregnant women and those who live with others who have a high degree of immunosuppression. in addition to smokers and essential service workers.
Health authorities encourage all these groups to be vaccinated, while remembering that good habits help reduce virus transmission.
Use of masks
The use of a mask in health care centers (hospitals and primary care) and pharmacies is now mandatory. Exceptions are those under 6 years of age and those who need verbal and/or gestural interaction that is important for dealing with the patient.
The use of a mask is recommended for the general population in the presence of symptoms of respiratory infection.
Their use is recommended in residential centers for vulnerable people, although generalized use is not recommended. It will be necessary to guarantee the provision and use of masks for and for professionals who care for people with symptoms compatible with a respiratory infection.
2024-01-11 20:30:10
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