The Community of Madrid has taken a crucial step in protecting public health by launching a simultaneous vaccination campaign against flu and COVID-19. This initiative, which will start on October 7 and it will last until the end of January.
It will allow citizens get immunized against both diseases in a single visitoptimizing time and facilitating access to vaccination. Double protection is especially relevant for risk groups such as over 60 years oldpeople with chronic diseases and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to complications derived from these infections.
Benefits and protection
Starting this year, All children under five years of age will be able to receive the flu vaccinean especially relevant measure given the national recommendation to vaccinate this age group. Furthermore, as a great novelty, rotavirus vaccination is introduceda diarrheal disease which can cause severe dehydration in the little ones.
The administration of more than 1.5 million flu doses, including 75,000 intranasal doses for children aged two to four yearsguarantees broad vaccination coverage. For its part, the rotavirus vaccinationstarts today, Tuesday October 1 and affects those born since August 1. It is performed orally in health centers, thus helping to prevent hospitalizations and complications associated with this disease.
Flu vaccination in Aragon
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
The Community of Madrid takes a position in the protection of the little ones by expand its vaccination program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The results of the previous campaign were more than promising: a 65% reduction in infection cases and a decrease of more than 90% in hospital admissions for bronchiolitis in children under one year of age.
With the aim of consolidating these achievements and protect 50,000 more babiesa new vaccination campaign has been launched this year. Thanks to this initiative, it is expected to significantly reduce the impact of this disease on children’s health, avoiding hospitalizations, complications and improving the quality of life of children and their families.
Human papilloma (HPV)
Vaccination against HPV has proven to be one of the most effective tools for prevent cancer. The Community of Madrid, always at the forefront of public health, has adapted its vaccination program to include menfollowing the latest scientific evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of the vaccine in both sexes.
What you didn’t know about HPV
This decision is based on the recognition that HPV is an insexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women and that can have serious consequences for health.
Reactions to the vaccine
These reactions are usually mild and temporaryand are a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine and generating protection.
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site: This is the most common reaction and usually disappears in a few days.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or low on energy is another common reaction.
- Headache: Some vaccinated people experience a headache, which is usually mild and disappears in a short time.
- Muscle pain: discomfort in the muscles, especially in the arms and legs.
- Fever: In some cases, a mild fever may appear.
How do I know what vaccines I have?
It is important to know your complete vaccination history to make informed decisions about your health and that of your family.
Check your medical history
- General practitioner: It is the first point of contact. Your doctor has access to your medical records, including your vaccination history.
- Health center: If you do not have a regular family doctor, you can go to your nearest health center.
- Hospital: If you have been hospitalized, immunization records can be found in the hospital medical record.
Vaccination card
- Childhood card: Many people keep their childhood vaccination card. Review it to identify the vaccines that were given to you at that stage.
Electronic records
- Electronic medical record: Some countries and regions have electronic health record systems where vaccinations are recorded. You can request access to this information through your doctor or health center.
- Mobile applications: Some health applications allow you to store and manage your vaccination history.
