Boosting Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC”>Immunization: Biobío Region Strengthens Vaccine Network with New Depósitos de Vacunas e Inmunoglobulinas
The Biobío region in Chile has bolstered its healthcare infrastructure with the inauguration of the Depósito de Vacunas e Inmunoglobulinas (DVI) in Lebu. This latest addition joins existing DVIs in Talcahuano and Los Ángeles, ensuring that all three provinces in the region now have dedicated facilities for receiving, storing, and distributing vaccines andimmunoglobulins to the public. The new infrastructure enhances the operational efficiency of the National Immunization Program.
The DVIs in Lebu, Talcahuano, and Los Ángeles have the capacity to store routine vaccines,Campaign vaccines, clinical, and non-clinical supplies. Notably, the Talcahuano facility houses an ultracongelador with a capacity of 959 liters for extended storage of vaccines.
The regional health authority, Seremi de Salud del Biobío, Eduardo Barra, highlighted that these facilities are equipped with 76 square meters of refrigerated chambers, securing the storage of valuable biological products such as vaccines for measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, human papillomavirus, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and more. Moreover, these depositories safeguard crucial immunoglobulin supplies like tetanus, rabies, varicella, and hepatitis B vaccinations for emergency use.
The new facilities in Talcahuano and Lebu, inaugurated in 2024, were realized with investments of over $363 million and $128 million, respectively.
Current Immunization Coverage in Biobío
As of November 25, 2024, the Biobío region has administered 716,000 doses of the influenza vaccine, achieving an 88.3% coverage rate, which surpasses the national average of 85.3% and the target set by the Ministry of Health. The rejection rate in the region stands at a mere 0.3%.
For school-based vaccinations, the region has immunized 85% of fourth-grade students and 84% of fifth-grade students against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Additionally, 88% of first-graders and 85% of eighth-graders have received vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Furthermore, the region’s winter campaign has provided 13,210 newborns and infants born between October 2023 and March 2024 with the Nirsevimab vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This initiative is a pioneering move in Latin America, seeking to strengthen immune defenses against winter-related illnesses.
