Expanded Regional Vaccination Program Protects From Newborns to Seniors
Region’s health department has bolstered its vaccination program, offering wider age ranges and new vaccines to protect residents from newborns to seniors. According to Health Counselor Juan José Pedreño, the expanded program now stands as one of the country’s most comprehensive.
New Vaccines and Extended Age Ranges
The enhanced vaccination calendar introduces or extends coverage to:
- Newborns with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
- Young adults up to 25 years old, including males for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- Seniors with the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.
Increased Coverage and Cost Savings
With these updates, over 3,200 babies, representing 94%, have received RSV protection. Approximately 50,000 minors are safeguarded against 17 diseases through 22 vaccines, while 10,000 adults are shielded from four conditions. The regional health department has invested €22.5 million in 2024 to achieve this.
Notably, the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine for infants born after January 2024 is expected to prevent 90% of hospitalizations due to this cause, benefiting around 14,000 babies yearly. Previously, 70% of families sought private vaccination, incurring €200 per child.
Bronchiolitis Protection and Meningococcal Vaccine Update
The RSV immunization campaign, which started in September, aims to protect all newborns leaving regional maternity wards. Additionally, the meningococcal vaccine has been revised to include serogroups A, C, W, and Y – a change that extends protection beyond the previously covered C serogroup.
Pivotal Steps for HPV Vaccination
This year, the HPV vaccine has been expanded to include males up to 25 years old, benefiting over 128,000 individuals who would have previously paid around €170 for the vaccination. Moreover, the age range for female HPV vaccination has been extended to 25 years, ensuring those who missed school-based vaccination are still covered.
Influenza Vaccination in Schools and Senior Protection
The regional health department continues its flu immunization program in schools, now including children aged two and above. Nearly 49% of children between 6 months and 5 years have received the vaccine. The program also emphasizes senior protection, with the herpes zoster vaccine now available to 80-year-olds.
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