Vaccination against influenza and Covid in risk groups will begin on October 14.

On October 14, a joint vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 will begin throughout the Valencian Community, which will be carried out in stages, giving priority to population groups that include those people who may be at higher risk of complications. from infection.

Health Minister Marciano Gómez noted that the vaccination strategy “will be implemented in stages with the aim of immunizing the target population and the most vulnerable groups as quickly as possible.”

Gomez noted that experts recommend immunization “because the effectiveness of both vaccines has been demonstrated by a reduction in serious cases and complications secondary to influenza, such as pneumonia or an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, “which means fewer hospitalizations.” hospitalizations, especially for populations at risk of complications.”

Four priority groups

The Ministry of Health has formed four priority groups for the campaign. From October this year, based on changing priorities, SMS messages will be sent to those in these groups to encourage them to come forward and get vaccinated.

On the other hand, once the vaccination of priority groups is completed, the Ministry of Health will begin immunization of the entire population in November next year.

The first group with which the vaccination campaign will begin are residents of care centers and those with functional diversity. This group also includes persons admitted to other social and medical centers (residents of social service institutions and admitted to chronic hospitals).

Likewise, medical, non-medical and social care staff will be vaccinated at these centres, as well as primary health centres, hospitals and emergency medical services who will receive the vaccine at their work centres’ occupational hazard prevention services.

On the other hand, the second group includes the population over 60 years of age, who will be enrolled at their regular health center, unless patients with chronic addiction or those who cannot travel to a health center will receive the vaccine. Houses.

The third priority group includes pregnant women who can receive flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at their health center. It also includes at-risk people aged 5 to 69 years who can also be vaccinated at their primary health centre.

Finally, the fourth priority group will be people working in the field of essential public services, people living in risk groups, children from 5 to 18 years old undergoing treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, people in contact with animals or their excretions, smokers and people over 18 years old. up to 59 years of age upon request, unless there are contraindications.

During last year’s campaign, more than 1,162,000 people were vaccinated against influenza, the highest number in the Valencian Community. By province, 428,806 people were vaccinated against influenza in the province of Alicante, 123,796 people in Castellon and 609,431 people in the province of Valencia.