Encourage everyone to get vaccinated against the flu to reduce the spread of this viral infectious disease during the Covid-19 epidemic, and then realize that the flu vaccine will not be enough for everyone. It is understandable that influenza vaccines are becoming a scarce commodity not only in Latvia, but all over the world, however, whether everything has been done to reduce the agitation not only after the masks, but also after the availability of vaccines.
The Ministry of Health explains to the Independent that influenza vaccines have been purchased in larger quantities this year, however, even this will not save the situation that part of those who want to be vaccinated will remain in the heat. Long before the start of the flu season – already in May – the Ministry of Health and the State Agency of Medicines addressed the manufacturers, asking to find a way to supply more flu vaccines by redistributing them from other countries. “We received a refusal because the demand for vaccines had increased in other countries as well,” says Anna Strapcāne, a specialist at the Ministry of Health. Now the stores forecast that an additional 10,000 doses of vaccines could be delivered to Latvia in December.
It could be predicted – more will be vaccinated
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The fact that people in Latvia will want to be vaccinated against influenza this year more than in other years could have been predicted already in the spring, moreover, the government also changed the rules on state compensation for influenza vaccine, making it more financially affordable. Therefore, this week’s announcement by the Ministry of Health that “the demand for the flu vaccine has grown rapidly” is not surprising. However, this is both good and not so good news. It is good because the population trusts the call of the authorities to vaccinate against the flu this autumn in order to reduce the health risks, because, as you know, there is no vaccine against Covid-19 yet. But the bad news is that if a person is not in a country-defined risk group due to age, health or their occupation, then it is practically impossible to buy the vaccine and get vaccinated.
Bought three times more
For the first time this year, the Latvian vaccination plan has been supplemented with two groups – with medical personnel and clients and employees of social care centers, and in addition to these two groups, vaccines purchased by the state are also intended for pregnant women and children under two years of age.
The total amount of vaccines purchased by the state this year is 90,000 doses, compared to 33,000 doses last year, the number of vaccines provided by the state has increased by as much as a third.
The state has purchased more vaccines, because this year changes have been made in the amount of influenza vaccine compensation for seniors from the age of 65 and people with chronic diseases, increasing the state compensation from 50 to 100 percent. The Ministry of Health was told the Independent that by October 14, 34,000 people had already purchased vaccines in pharmacies under the state reimbursement system. In turn, paid vaccines are also offered to residents in vaccination offices of medical institutions. The Ministry of Health, analyzing the available information from manufacturers, as well as data from pharmacies, has concluded that the availability of influenza vaccines this season will be limited. Emphasis on the availability of vaccines will therefore be placed on at-risk groups, ensuring that at least they receive vaccination. “Vaccines are reserved for medical staff, social care center workers and residents, as well as pregnant women and children under the age of two and will be available at the family doctor by getting vaccinated immediately in the office, or for medical staff and care centers organized in their institutions,” says Anna Health specialist. Strapcane.
Deficit worldwide
According to the information provided by vaccine manufacturers, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for influenza vaccines has increased worldwide, not only in Latvia.
This year, the total number of influenza vaccines imported to Latvia is 194,238 doses
(including 90,000 vaccines purchased by the state), or 12 percent more than in the previous season, which is also more than ever in previous years.
There will be a sufficient supply of state-reimbursed vaccines, while limited vaccines will be available in limited quantities to all other people, including children and adolescents who suffer the most during the flu season. The Ministry of Health points out that vaccines are still available in vaccination rooms of medical institutions. However, given the prevalence of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health is calling on the population Before going to a medical facility, call that facility to find out if flu vaccines are available. In turn, before going to the pharmacy, call to contact the pharmacy. The situation is changing every day, so where the vaccine was yesterday is probably not there today. According to the Ministry of Health, an electronic catalog would not help either (similar to medicines – you can see if they are available), because the situation changes by the hour.
It is now recommended to strengthen immunity
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Just a week ago, the Ministry of Health called: “Vaccination is recommended for everyone to protect against influenza, especially for people at risk, because vaccination reduces both the number of cases and the number of complications and deaths caused by influenza.” This is especially important during a Covid-19 pandemic, as both influenza and Covid-19 can cause severe pneumonia and exacerbate chronic diseases.
However, this week the specialists of the Latvian Radio Ministry of Health are already reassuring that the vaccine is not the only way to protect yourself. “It’s an effective way, but it’s not the only one, we also have to remember about distancing, using masks, washing hands, ventilating the premises, which is as effective in case of flu as in Covid-19,” said Jana Feldmane from the Ministry of Health.
Vaccines were started before Covid
The Ministry of Health explains how the purchase of vaccines is planned in the country. Manufacturers plan the amount of influenza vaccine for the current year in accordance with the trends in vaccination consumption in previous years. Because the vaccine is only valid for one season and its production process is complex and time-consuming, the vaccine is produced according to the projected volume in each country. “It should be noted that due to the prevalence of Covid-19, the demand for influenza vaccines has increased not only in Latvia, but also in Europe. Manufacturers of medicines start the production of influenza vaccines about a year in advance, and their production in 2020/2021. The year group season was started in autumn 2019, respectively. With the onset of Covid-19 infection, it was no longer possible to increase production capacity and supply more vaccines to the European Union than planned in autumn 2019, ”says Anna Strapcāne from the Ministry of Health.
Can the Ministry of Health do anything?
The Ministry of Health is answering this question: well before the start of the flu season – already in May – the Ministry of Health and the State Agency of Medicines addressed manufacturers asking to find more flu vaccines by redistributing them from other countries. “We received a refusal because the demand for vaccines had increased in other countries as well,” says A. Strapcāne. The stores forecast that an additional 10,000 doses of vaccines could be delivered to Latvia in December.
In order to inform the public about the availability of influenza vaccines in Latvia, the State Agency of Medicines has requested drug wholesalers to provide information on influenza vaccines delivered the previous day every working day, starting with information on quantities delivered to pharmacies and other customers. Including the name of the pharmacy, the city where the pharmacy is located, and the address of the pharmacy. This information shall be published on the website of the State Agency of Medicines.
The agency has also approached pharmacies to assess the stock of medicines in pharmacies and called for voluntary reporting of the stock of vaccines on a daily basis. When asked why it is necessary to call for vaccination to protect themselves if there is a lack of vaccine, the Ministry of Health states that the vaccine is available in some places, so “calls for flu vaccination are justified”. In addition, people who are entitled to state-paid vaccines this year should also be addressed.
POPULATION REIMBURSED BY THE COUNTRY FOR ANTI-INFLUENZA VACCINATIONDuring this influenza season (until 1 May 2021), the influenza vaccine will be reimbursed at 100%:
Source: Ministry of Health |
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