The first phase of the influenza (influenza) vaccination campaign is nearing its end as only 27.8% of people over the age of 60 have been vaccinated. D-Day will be packing this Saturday (30th), when kids’ dosing will also begin.
In addition to the low adherence of the elderly, only 30.4% of health workers, who are also a priority group at this point, have been vaccinated. The overall goal is to achieve a 90% immunization rate, according to the state Department of Health (SES).
In subjects over 60 years of age, 958,681 doses were administered, out of an estimated total of 3,442,911 people in this age group in Minas Gerais. In terms of health workers, 184,414 received the vaccine, in a world of 606,091 professionals.
To encourage people to get vaccinated, the SES is promoting this Saturday (30th) the D-Day of Mobilization, when Basic Health Units (UBSs) across the state are open for immunization implementation. On this date, children aged six months to less than five years (four years, 11 months and 29 days) can also be vaccinated.
Starting next week, the campaign will enter the second phase, which includes priority groups, in addition to children, pregnant women, postpartum women, indigenous people, people with comorbidities and teachers, among other segments. As of June 3, it is estimated that 8,299,488 people will be vaccinated during the two phases of the campaign in the state.
SES-MG Immunization Program Coordinator, Josianne Dias Gusmão, explained that those who have not yet been immunized and belong to priority groups should seek out one of the basic health units.
People age 60 or older and health workers who have not been vaccinated against the flu can go to a health center close to home to get vaccinated. Even those who were vaccinated against influenza in 2021 and are part of the priority groups in this year’s campaign should get vaccinated again.”
The trivalent influenza vaccine provided free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS) in 2022 is effective against strains of H1N1, H3N2 and type B. According to Josian, annual vaccination prevents severe forms of the disease.
The vaccine aims to reduce complications, hospitalization, and mortality from influenza virus infection in the target population for vaccination. That is why it is so important to look for a leaflet and get vaccinated.” (With information from Minas Agency)
