Asturias increases vaccination coverage against herpes zoster with 800 new vaccinations. Asturian world

The Spanish Association of Vaccinologists awarded this initiative an honorable mention as a best practice in public health at the AEV Awards 2024.

An innovative herpes zoster vaccination strategy in the Caudal Health Zone (Zone VII), headquartered in Mieres, has achieved a marked increase in coverage among people born in 1957 and 1958, with 800 new people vaccinated. This plan, developed over the course of 2022 and 2023, strengthened the health center recruitment strategy with significant results.

Featured Results

Vaccination coverage of those born in 1957 increased from 29.7% to 76.4%, while the number of vaccinated people increased by 511 people. Among those born in 1958, coverage increased from 43.9% to 70.8%, adding another 283 people vaccinated. A total of 2,147 people were vaccinated in Zone VII, divided between 1,094 people born in 1957 and 1,053 people born in 1958.

Directions for action

The plan included three key strategies:

1. Special training of specialists: Through an in-person session and two telematic sessions on the epidemiology and prevention of herpes zoster.
2. Coverage monitoring: Close monitoring of vaccination rates in the 1957 (starting in 2022) and 1958 (starting in 2023) cohorts.
3. Specific recruitment measures: Progressive assessment of the effectiveness of implemented recruitment strategies.

Recognition at the AEV Awards

The initiative was awarded an honorable mention in the category of best practice in public health at the AEV Awards 2024 under the theme “Sharing Experience, Expanding Reach”. This recognition, granted by the Spanish Association of Vaccinologists, highlights projects that improve immunization rates.

Key employees

This success was made possible thanks to the cooperation of:

• Maria Fernandez-Prada, Maria José Sapico-Baragano and Paula Cienfuegos-Gonzalez: Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service of the Vital Alvarez Buya Hospital.
• Marta Huerta: Deputy Director for Care Coordination, Health Services.
• Maria Dolores Martin-Rodriguez: Site VII Medical Technician.

Influence

This action highlights the importance of adopting combination recruitment efforts, the effectiveness of which has been demonstrated through experience. Continuous coverage measurement and development of specific recruitment activities are necessary to comprehensively address the challenge of systematic adult vaccination.

Signature: From left to right: Maria José Sapico Baragano, Maria Fernandez Prada, Paula Cienfuegos Gonzalez from the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service of the Vital Alvarez Buya Hospital.