Andalusia has started today a flu vaccination campaign that will cover more than 180,000 children under 5 years old. This initiative particularly focuses on schoolchildren aged 3 and 4, who will receive the intranasal vaccine at their educational centres.
Details of the vaccination campaign
Antonio Sanz, the first vice president and minister of the Presidency, Health and Emergencies, has urged parents to authorise the vaccination of their children. Vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 to 59 months and their teaching staff.
This year, it is expected that 90,000 children aged 3 and 4 will be vaccinated in schools. Last year, 69.9% of enrolled children received this vaccine. Vaccination in educational centres will be carried out with family authorisation, who will receive the necessary information for consent.
Children under 5 who do not participate in the school vaccination can access the inoculation at their health centres through the Andalusian Health Service (SAS).
At-risk groups and expansion of the campaign
In addition to minors, the vaccination campaign also includes children aged 5 to 17 with health conditions, pregnant women, postpartum women, and people residing in care homes for the elderly and disabled, as well as the professionals who care for these groups. The COVID-19 vaccine will also be administered to some of these sectors to enhance their protection.
Last year, more than 31,000 elderly residents in care homes were vaccinated. This year, the ministry plans to deploy healthcare professionals to achieve maximum coverage in care homes, which are estimated to house around 45,000 people.
Sanz emphasised the importance of healthcare professionals also getting vaccinated against the flu, to protect both their health and that of their patients, who may be more vulnerable to severe complications.
From October 7, the flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign for dependent individuals in their homes will be activated, continuing with other priority groups throughout this month.
The Ministry of the Presidency, Health and Emergencies has allocated 20.4 million euros to this campaign, with the expectation of vaccinating 1,955,000 Andalusians.
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