The Importance of Vaccinations: Protecting Against Deadly Diseases

Avila Residents Comply with Vaccination Recommendations, According to Data from Sacyl

Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, measles, and hepatitis were once major threats to the population. However, thanks to vaccination, these diseases are now highly controlled, and in some cases, practically eradicated. The World Health Organization recognizes immunization as an exemplary achievement in global health and development, saving millions of lives each year. Vaccines reduce the risk of contracting diseases by reinforcing the body’s natural defenses and activating the immune system.

Vaccination is an essential component of Primary Care, as stated by the World Health Organization. It is articulated in the lifelong vaccination calendar, which outlines the recommended vaccines for different age groups. These vaccines are administered free of charge by the health system, although inoculation is voluntary. The Castilla y León lifelong vaccination schedule includes immunization against 17 different diseases, with the number of doses varying depending on the vaccine. For example, the vaccine against meningococcus B requires three doses, administered at 2, 4, and 12 months of life.

According to data from Sacyl, last year, the entire province of Ávila should have been vaccinated against one of the 17 diseases included in the official 2022 vaccination calendar for Castilla y León. The target population was 23,340 Avila residents, of whom 19,139 complied with the vaccination recommendation. This means that three out of four people in Ávila adhere to the vaccination recommendations outlined in the lifelong vaccination schedule.

Most of the vaccines included in the Castilla y León vaccination calendar are administered during the first years of life, primarily between two months and fourteen years of age. This includes vaccines for meningococcal, chickenpox, tetanus, and human papillomavirus, among others. Some vaccines, known as combined vaccines, protect against multiple microorganisms. For example, the hexavalent vaccine provides protection against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, and invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae. The triple viral vaccine immunizes against measles, rubella, and mumps.

The data provided by Sacyl shows that the vaccination rate increases with age. Vaccines recommended during the first months of life have the highest coverage rate, indicating that most families adhere to the recommended vaccine doses. For instance, out of the 924 infants who were supposed to receive the first dose of the hexavalent vaccine when they were two months old, almost all families chose to vaccinate their children. This resulted in a coverage rate of 97.84 percent, higher than the regional figure of 95.91 percent.

The lifelong vaccination schedule in Castilla y León includes only two vaccines for the elderly population, both targeting pneumococcus. These vaccines are generally administered at 65 and 66 years of age. Last year, a total of 4,327 people in Ávila were offered these vaccines, but the coverage rate against pneumococcal disease was quite low. Only 468 individuals received the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine, representing a coverage percentage of 21.06 percent. Similarly, out of the 2,105 people recommended to receive the valent PS 23 pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against 23 types of bacteria causing pneumococcal disease, only 701 individuals received the vaccine dose. This means that only a third of the target population in Ávila was vaccinated against pneumococcal disease last year.

The vaccination schedule for life in Castilla y León also includes influenza vaccination, recommended for individuals aged 60 and above, as well as minors belonging to priority groups. This includes people at high risk of flu complications, those who can spread the flu to high-risk individuals, essential public service workers, and individuals with occupational exposure to avian or swine viruses.

In conclusion, the residents of Ávila have shown a high level of compliance with vaccination recommendations. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in vaccinating the elderly population against pneumococcal disease. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting public health.

How can healthcare providers and authorities further promote and educate the public about the importance of vaccination in Avila

To the recommended immunization schedule for their infants. However, as children get older, the vaccination rates decrease slightly, indicating that some individuals may be missing out on certain recommended vaccines.

It is important to note that not all Avila residents are eligible for vaccination, as some individuals may have medical conditions or contraindications that prevent them from receiving certain vaccines. However, the overall compliance rate of three out of four people in Ávila is still commendable.

Vaccination not only protects individuals from dangerous diseases but also contributes to the overall health of the community. By immunizing a significant portion of the population, herd immunity is achieved, making it more difficult for diseases to spread and protecting those who are unable to receive vaccines.

It is crucial for healthcare providers and authorities to continue promoting and educating the public about the importance of vaccination. It is through these efforts that the significant progress made in controlling and eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases can be sustained.

In conclusion, Avila residents have demonstrated a strong compliance with vaccination recommendations, with three out of four individuals adhering to the immunization schedule. This compliance reflects the understanding and awareness of the importance of vaccines in protecting individuals and communities from harmful diseases. Continued efforts to promote vaccination and provide accessible immunization services are necessary to maintain these high vaccination rates and further enhance public health.