Given the winter season, the Mexican Social Security Institute recommended that the population under five years of age and over 60 get vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19, available in the agency’s clinics and medical units.
Enrique Alcalá Martínez, coordinator of Medical Programs of the Coordination of First Level Units of the IMSS, He reported that as of November 8, Social Security personnel have applied 3.9 million doses against seasonal influenza, which represents an advance of 30.8% of the goal and 691,858 doses for coronavirus, which represents just 9% of the expected coverage.
The specialist highlighted that among the main measures to deal with respiratory diseases typical of this season is the increase in the consumption of fruits and foods with high vitamin C content that help strengthen the immune system, in addition to dressing properly to go out. the street in the face of sudden changes in temperature.
It is recommended to use a face mask and not self-medicate
He added that In the presence of cold symptoms, it is advisable to use face masks to avoid contagion to other people.go to your Family Medicine Unit (FMU) for review and management of the infection, toin addition to not self-medicating, particularly with antibiotics.
He explained that the population groups that may be most affected by changes in temperature are children under five years of age and people over 60 years of age, since in this particular population, viruses and bacteria attack the body more strongly. immune systemso it is even more relevant that they apply the general measures described above and receive biologicals to prevent these diseases.
In this regard, he recalled that on October 15, 2024, health sector institutions began the vaccination campaign for the 2024-2025 winter season aimed at vulnerable groups. The goal of Social Security is to apply by March 28, 2025 a total of 12.7 million doses of influenza vaccine and 7.6 million doses in the case of Covid-19.
1. Section 1: Importance of Vaccinations for Vulnerable Groups During Winter Season
Interviewer: Good morning, Mr. Martínez. Can you tell us why the Mexican Social Security Institute is recommending vaccinations for influenza and Covid-19 for certain vulnerable groups during the winter season?
Enrique Alcalá Martínez: Good morning. Yes, during the winter season, the population is more susceptible to respiratory diseases like influenza and Covid-19. The Mexican Social Security Institute wants to protect the most vulnerable groups, which are children under five years of age and people over 60 years of age, by offering free vaccinations in our clinics and medical units. These groups have weaker immune systems and are more likely to experience severe symptoms from these diseases.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the specific challenges that these groups face during the winter season?
Enrique Alcalá Martínez: Certainly. Children under five years of age and older adults are more likely to develop complications from common colds and respiratory infections. As temperatures drop, their bodies become more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Additionally, older adults may already have underlying health conditions that can worsen their immune response to these infections. Vaccinations are the best way to protect them and prevent severe illness.
2. Section 2: Coverage Goals and Progress of Vaccination Campaign
Interviewer: That is important information. Can you share the coverage goals for the influenza and Covid-19 vaccines and the progress made so far?
Enrique Alcalá Martínez: Yes, of course. For the influenza vaccine, our goal is to administer a total of 12.7 million doses by March 2025, and we have already administered 3.9 million doses as of November 8, which represents a 30.8% advance. For Covid-19, we aim to administer 7.6 million doses by the end of the campaign period, but we have only administered 691,858 doses as of now, which is a 9% advance. We still have a long way to go to
