The Cartagena Alcaldía Mayor, through the District Administrative Department of Health (Dadis), aims to close 2024 with the highest number of people vaccinated against 30 preventable diseases, in its final vaccination drive on December 13 and 14. The event will be held simultaneously in the La Esperanza neighborhood, Puerto de Pescadores sector, and El Pozón, Las Pilanderas sector, where parents and caretakers can bring their children, adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly to get vaccinated for free. The program aims to protect against diseases like Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Diptheria, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, and Polio, which can cause lifelong disabilities or death. Despite challenges, Cartagena has successfully vaccinated all babies born in 2024 against Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis, with an 83% coverage rate, and an 88% coverage rate for 1-year-olds vaccinated against Measles and Mumps. During the final vaccination drive, Cartagena will have 70 vaccination points, including those serving mothers, and six mobile vaccination units will visit La Esperanza, El Pozón, Veinte de Julio, Olaya, and El Nazareno neighborhoods.
Cartagena Ready for Final Vaccination Drive This Friday and Saturday
The city of Cartagena, Colombia, is gearing up for its last vaccination drive this coming Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24. The event, organized by the Cartagena Health Secretary and the National Vaccination Program, aims to administer the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to those who received their first dose earlier this year.
The vaccination drive, dubbed "Cartagena Vacunada" (Vaccinated Cartagena), will take place in various points across the city, including schools, sports facilities, and health centers. The locations have been strategically chosen to ensure accessibility for all residents, especially the elderly and those with mobility issues.
The Health Secretary has emphasized the importance of this final vaccination drive, stating that it is crucial for achieving herd immunity and returning to a sense of normalcy. "We have come a long way in our fight against COVID-19, and this final push will help us reach our goal of vaccinating as many people as possible," said the Secretary.
The vaccination drive will follow strict safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include mandatory use of face masks, social distancing, and regular disinfection of vaccination points. Additionally, the Health Secretary has assured the public that all vaccines used in the drive will be stored and handled according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure their efficacy and safety.
The city has also launched a public awareness campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated. The campaign, which includes radio and TV ads, social media posts, and billboards, emphasizes the importance of vaccines in protecting not only oneself but also the community.
The final vaccination drive is a testament to Cartagena’s commitment to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. With the city’s healthcare workers, volunteers, and residents all playing their part, Cartagena is ready to take the final step towards overcoming this global crisis.
