Getting a flu shot is as beneficial as quitting smoking, exercising, or eating right.

In the past year, respiratory diseases such as flu, That COVID-19 And pneumococcus caused 46,807 deaths in Spainbut many of the cases could be prevented or reduced in severity through vaccination, which can be as beneficial to health as stopping smoking, exercising and eating right.

“The best plan for this winter. Get vaccinated” is the motto chosen by the Spanish Association of Vaccinologists (AEV) to encourage target groups to be immunized against respiratory viruses and thereby increase last year’s coverage, which is still falling short of targets. Suitability noted by the Ministry of Health.

One of influenza in people over 64 years of age

last year it reached 66.6%, far from the 75% they strive for; in children from 5 to 59 months it decreased to 31.16%.

The influenza virus alone causes, on average, 28,000 hospitalizations. In children under 5 years of age, it causes more than 58,000 primary care visits, 4,239 hospitalizations, and 8 deaths. Influenza activity was intense during the 2023-2024 season, with people over 60 years of age being hit hardest.

“Getting a flu vaccine may be as beneficial for protecting our cardiovascular health as quitting smoking,” AEV Secretary Gloria Mirada Masip said in a note that included a study that concluded that patients with high blood pressure reduces the risk of death from all causes by up to 18%.

Last year, respiratory diseases became the most common cause of death in Spain, with a total of 46,807 deaths; In the 2019-2020 season. influenza serum prevented 37% of deaths associated with the disease.

At the same time, mortality due to COVID-19 In 2023 they fell by 75.1%, so People over 60 years of age are still recommended and people at risk of the disease are vaccinated, since those who are not have a much higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

Regarding pneumococcusAs part of this campaign, AEV is also urging those over 60-65 years of age to reconsider their vaccination status, as 41% of pneumonia acquired in adults may require hospitalization.

What’s new is that the association has included health workers in its campaign, whose coverage last year was only 43.6%.

“Health care workers play a fundamental role in vaccinating our patients. Patients’ greatest adherence to vaccination is determined by the recommendation of their doctor or nurse. Moreover, if we ask them to get vaccinated, why not get vaccinated ourselves? Should we lead by example? “, concluded Fernandez-Prada.