The Mexican Social Security Institute in Yucatan continues its vaccination campaign for the 2024-2025 winter season, focusing on the influenza vaccine. Dr. María José Frayre Torres, head of the Medical Services Division of IMSS Yucatan, spoke about the campaign. As of now, approximately 132,000 doses have been administered, with the goal to reach over 270,000 doses by the end of March. The vaccine is available at IMSS Family Medicine Units, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, for children under 5, adults over 60, and patients with chronic conditions, including asthmatics and those with heart conditions, regardless of whether they are beneficiaries or not. The IMSS also organizes vaccination drives at schools, companies, and other secure locations. The only contraindication for the vaccine is if the patient has a fever at the time of administration.
Title: Inviting You to Get Vaccinated Against Influenza in Yucatan
Introduction
Every year, as the autumn leaves fall and temperatures start to dip, we’re reminded that influenza season is upon us. Influenza, often weakened as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Here in Yucatan, protecting ourselves and our community from this virus is more important than ever, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we’re inviting you to get vaccinated against the influenza virus this season.
Why Get Vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, as influenza viruses thrive in colder temperatures, leading to an increase in cases during the fall and winter months.
Vaccinating yourself offers several benefits:
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Protection for You: The vaccine triggers your body’s immune system to produce antibodies that protect you from infection by the viruses in the vaccine. Even if you still get the flu, it’s likely to be milder if you’ve been vaccinated.
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Protection for Others: By getting vaccinated, you reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others, including those who are more vulnerable to complications, such as young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with certain health conditions.
- Reduces Healthcare Burden: Influenza is a leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths among young children and senior adults. Vaccination can reduce the burden on healthcare systems by preventing outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Who Can Get Vaccinated?
In Yucatan, flu vaccines are available for everyone six months and older. However, some groups are at high risk of complications from the flu and should make vaccination a priority:
- Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum)
- Children aged 6 months through 5 years
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Individuals with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Where and When to Get Vaccinated in Yucatan
In Yucatan, flu vaccines are available at local health centers, private clinics, and some pharmacies. You can also make an appointment with your primary care physician to get vaccinated. The flu season typically runs from October to May, so it’s a good idea to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available in your area.
Conclusion
Getting vaccinated against the influenza virus is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself and your community from the flu. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting your health but also the health of those around you, especially vulnerable populations. Don’t wait – find a location near you and get vaccinated today. Together, we can reduce the spread of influenza and create a healthier Yucatan.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ prévention-vaccination/vaccine-keyfacts.htm
- Secretaría de Salud de Yucatán. (2021). Campaña Nacional de Vacunación Contra la Influenza. https://www.yucatan.gob.mx/salud/prin/107360/campaña-nacional-de-vacunación-contra-la-influenza
