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Health

“Vaccination Rates: Only 51% of Catalonians Over 70 Immunized Against Flu”.

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: Flu Season 2022: Here’s What You Need to Know

As the flu season picks up momentum, medical professionals are reassuring the public that this year’s flu vaccine offers reliable protection against circulating viruses A and B. Antoni Trilla, head of Preventive Medicine at Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic, confirms that "both are reasonably well covered" by the current vaccine. However, health experts urge improving vaccine uptake, particularly among the elderly, as vaccination rates have dropped since 2021.

Catalonia is already vaccinating children aged six months to five years against the flu, but pediatricians are pushing for expansion to include those up to 18 years old. While efforts are focused on boosting flu vaccination, concerns persist about low COVID-19 vaccination rates among the elderly. Joan Caylà, a member of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, warns that low vaccination rates could lead to a surge in hospitalizations due to both flu and COVID-19.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Get Vaccinated

Expert advice is clear: get vaccinated against the flu while you can. The flu season is still on the rise, and COVID-19 cases have yet to peak, so there’s ample time to protect yourself and others. Just a few weeks ago, Catalunya’s Department of Health opened vaccination without prior appointment to facilitate last-minute vaccinations.

The flu vaccine this season has been designed to match the circulating strains quite well, which is expected to lead to lower hospitalizations. Jacobo Mendioroz, subdirector general of Catalunya’s Public Health Agency, expects this to be "one of the calmest viral respiratory seasons" in recent years. Nevertheless, vaccination rates can and should improve, with only half of those who should be vaccinated having received their shots.

Keeping an Eye on Avian Flu

Health professionals are keeping tabs on avian flu outbreaks among poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. While such cases have occurred sporadically in Spain and Europe, direct human-to-human transmission has not been significant. Experts worry about viral mutations that could enhance human transmission, potentially leading to a pandemic. Regular epidemiological surveillance is crucial to monitor this potential threat.

In conclusion, remain proactive this flu season: get vaccinated, encourage others to do the same, and stay informed about health developments. Together, we can minimize the impact of infectious diseases in our communities.

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Health

"Expanding the Vaccination Schedule: A Comprehensive Look at the Region’s Efforts"

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: Murcia‘s Expanded Vaccination Program: A Comprehensive Look at 2024‘s Advancements

Murcia, Spain – The Regional Ministry of Health has progressively enhanced the vaccination program in 2024, introducing new vaccinations and extending age ranges for existing ones. The result is a robust vaccination calendar that ranks among the most comprehensive in Spain, as reported by Juan José Pedreño, the Minister of Health.

The improvements span across all age groups, from newborns to seniors. Notably, around 50,000 minors have access to 22 vaccines protecting against 17 diseases. Meanwhile, approximately 10,000 adults are safeguarded against four conditions. The Ministry has invested €22.5 million to achieve this expanded program.

Among the key additions, the Ministry began protecting babies born after January 2024 against rotavirus from June onwards. This initiative, costing €1.16 million annually, aims to prevent 90% of hospitalizations due to this virus. Previously, 70% of families opted for private vaccinations, spending around €200 per child.

Later in September, the Ministry launched a campaign to immunize newborns against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of bronchiolitis. As of now, over 3,200 newborns, representing 94%, have received this immunization. Moreover, the Ministry has updated the meningococcus vaccination at 4 months, now including protection against 4 serogroups (A, C, W, and Y) instead of just one.

In a significant step forward, the Ministry has expanded the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to include men up to 25 years old. Previously, this vaccine was only available to boys born after 2011. This expansion is expected to benefit over 128,000 people who, previously, would have had to pay around €170 for private vaccination. Similarly, the HPV vaccine for women will also extend to those up to 25 years who did not receive it in school.

The Ministry has also focused on school settings for influenza vaccinations. This year, the vaccination campaign has been expanded to include all children in nursery school with two completed years, with almost 49% of those aged 6 months to 5 years receiving the vaccine so far.

Furthermore, the Ministry has expanded its herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination program to include adults aged 80 this year.

These advancements demonstrate Murcia’s commitment to public health and prevention, ensuring that all residents, young and old, have access to vital vaccinations.

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Health

Minsal Weighs Mandatory COVID Vaccine for 2025

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: Chile Considers Permanent COVID-19 Vaccination as Experts Recommend Integration into National Immunization Program

Five years ago, on December 31, 2019, a resident of Wuhan, China, was hospitalized with symptoms that didn’t match any known disease. This patient would become the first diagnosed with COVID-19, an infectious disease that sparked a global health crisis and was later partially controlled through mass vaccination. Chile was not immune to this global challenge.

On December 24, 2020, at 11:41 AM, Chile administered its first COVID-19 vaccine in Santiago, marking the beginning of a mass immunization campaign that has since provided over 70 million doses, including basic and booster schemes.

Now, with the coronavirus no longer the threat it once was, Chile’s epidemiological situation has evolved, leading to changes in public health strategies. In response, the Ministry of Health (Minsal) requested the Committee of Vaccines and Immunization Strategies (Cavei) to evaluate the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine in the national immunization program starting from 2025.

After weeks of debate, the expert group recommended incorporating the COVID-19 vaccination into the Decree No. 50/2021, making it mandatory for specific groups to prevent morbidity and mortality, especially in high-risk individuals, and to preserve the integrity and capacity of the healthcare system.

This recommendation suggests that COVID-19 vaccination could become a permanent public health measure in Chile, similar to other vaccinations like influenza or measles, for specific groups.

The Cavei suggested that the same objective groups currently eligible for the vaccine would be the candidates for this strategy. Currently, the vaccine is available for those aged 60 and above, immunocompromised patients, healthcare professionals, individuals with chronic diseases, and pregnant women, provided they have completed one year since their last dose.

The expert group also recommended administering the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously in eligible population groups to optimize vaccination opportunities and administrative logistics.

The final decision now lies with the Minsal, which is currently evaluating the Cavei’s recommendation. Meanwhile, the vaccine remains available for eligible groups at public or private vaccination centers in agreement with each regional health service.

According to the ministry’s latest report, 14 people died from the disease last week. Experts have repeatedly emphasized that vaccination has been one of the most effective measures to combat the disease.

A study by researchers from the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) and Dr. Mauricio Canals from the School of Public Health at the University of Chile found that the vaccination campaign in Chile significantly mitigated the disease. The study estimated that during the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, the vaccine prevented 1,030,648 infections, 268,784 hospitalizations, 85,830 ICU admissions, and 75,968 COVID-19-related deaths in individuals aged 16 and above.

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Health

Revolutionary Cancer Vaccines: A Game Changer in the Battle Against Disease

by Chief Editor
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Health

rotated by Rotavirus Vaccine Free in Castilla-La Mancha

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Headline: Free Rotavirus Vaccine Now Included in Castilla-La Mancha‘s Immunization Calendar

Article:

In a significant boost to public health, the Castilla-La Mancha regional government has added the rotavirus vaccine to its immunization calendar from January onwards. Parents in the region will no longer have to bear the cost of this crucial vaccine for their babies, as it was previously available at a price of around 90 euros per dose, with two doses required.

The move follows the acquisition of approximately 14,000 doses of the rotavirus vaccine by the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, as announced by the regional government’s spokesperson, Esther Padilla. The first dose is administered before the baby reaches 12 weeks, and the second before 16 weeks.

Image: A warm smile on a baby’s face, symbolizing the joy and relief parents in Castilla-La Mancha feel with the inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the immunization calendar. [Insert image: ‘vacuna_nina_blanco.jpg’]

This expansion of the immunization program is part of the region’s larger vaccination plan for 2025, divided into 16 blocks:

  • Block 1: 45,000 doses of hexavalent vaccination against Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, inactivated polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate.
  • Block 2: 24,000 doses of vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and inactivated polio.
  • Block 3: 550 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine.
  • Block 4: 17,000 doses of reduced-antigen-content vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
  • Block 5: 50,000 doses of reduced-antigen-content vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus.
  • Block 6: 2,500 doses of pediatric Hepatitis B vaccine.
  • Block 7: 20,000 doses of adult Hepatitis B vaccine.
  • Block 8: 3,500 doses of pediatric Hepatitis A vaccine.
  • Block 9: 8,500 doses of adult Hepatitis A vaccine.
  • Block 10: 27,000 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
  • Block 11: 28,000 doses of varicella vaccine.
  • Block 12: 9,000 doses of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine.
  • Block 13: 26,500 doses of conjugate vaccine against meningococcus C.
  • Block 14: 26,000 doses of conjugate vaccine against meningococcus A, C, W, and Y.
  • Block 15: 55,000 doses of meningococcus B vaccine.
  • Block 16: 14,000 doses of rotavirus vaccine.

Additionally, the regional government has secured doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the years 2024 and 2025.

To accommodate this expanded vaccination plan, the regional government plans to introduce a new logistics platform for vaccine storage. This center will be equipped with qualified technical direction, ensuring optimal conditions and staff with adequate training to maintain the cold chain throughout the vaccination process, from transportation to administration. This move reflects the government’s commitment to optimizing public health services in the region.

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Health

Spanish Pharmaceutical Giant Hipra Abandons Health Ministry Mid-Vaccination Drive

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: Spain Faces Shortage of 1.7 Million JN.1-Adapted COVID-19 Vaccines Amidst High Incidence Rates

In the midst of the ongoing flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Spain’s Ministry of Health has found itself short of 1.7 million protein recombinant COVID-19 vaccines, intended to tackle the coronavirus. The ministry had awarded the contract to Catalan pharmaceutical company Hipra for over €21 million, conditional upon the submission of required documentation. However, the public procurement portal has recently revealed that the procedure has been abandoned due to Hipra’s inability to fulfill the contract’s conditions.

Earlier in September, the Ministry orchestrated a negotiated procedure without advertisement, labeled as an "extreme urgency" case, aiming to acquire nearly two million JN.1-adapted vaccine doses for €21.25 million. Hipra was the sole bidder for this tender, and its proposal was subsequently ratified by the Contracting Party, contingent upon the presentation of the required documentation.

Upon reviewing the submitted documentation, the contracting authority discovered it to be incomplete. cruciaally, Hipra failed to furnish the European Commission’s authorization for the change in antigen to JN.1, as mandated by the contract’s specific stipulations. Consequently, the contracting authority reckoned that the inability to verify this particular authorization rendered it unfeasible to proceed with the contract’s adjudication. Therefore, the ministry pronounced the tender null and void, as no alternative offers existed.

This setback occurs during a period of elevated incidence rates for COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to Spain’s Ministry of Health, the combined incidence rate for these diseases stood at 665.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the week of December 16 to 22, reflecting a substantial increase from the preceding weeks.

In May, Hipra had proudly announced its impending release of a COVID-19 vaccine tailored to the JN.1 variant, aligning with updated recommendations from European health authorities. The company guaranteed the vaccine’s availability in a monodose format. However, despite its earlier assertions, it seems that Hipra has yet to secure the European Commission’s endorsement for the switch to the JN.1 antigen.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently noted that the JN.1 variant has superseded the previously dominant XBB family globally since December 2023 and January 2024. Belonging to the BA.2.86 subvariant branch of the Omicron family, JN.1 is evolving into a distinct variant group. While current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness, their protective power wanes over time, and the virus continues to mutate into antigenically distinct variants. Thus, EMA advises the adaptation of vaccines to ensure optimal protection against contemporary and emerging variants.

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Health

Discovery: How Biobío Safely Stores 140,000 Vaccine Doses

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: Strengthening Immunization: Regional Depots Empower Health in Chile

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital role that vaccines play in protecting our health. Produced with weakened viruses, bacteria, and toxoids, vaccines are a fundamental tool in defending against serious and potentially deadly diseases. They help our immune system recognize and combat harmful germs like viruses and bacteria.

In this vein, Depósitos de Vacunas e Inmunoglobulinas (DVI) are essential centers that receive, store, and distribute vaccines to the population. Additionally, they provide emergency supplies of immunoglobulins, proteins that our immune system produces to fight infections and diseases. According to Eduardo Barra, the regional health minister, these DVIs fortify the National Immunization Program’s operational efficiency.

Regionally, each province in Chile boasts its own DVI, with the latest inaugurated in Lebu on November 2022. Bernardita Ramírez, the DVI Lebu Director, rejoices that the new center brings vaccines closer to the territory, benefiting the high rural population and dispersed territories. Approximately 10,000 vaccine doses and emergency immunoglobulins are anticipated for storage.

The DVI in Lebu, contracted under the responsibility of the Regional Health Ministry (Seremi de Salud) and constructed by Ingemec SPA for 96 million 992 million 914 pesos, features improved and habilitated exterior and interior edification, a new electrical system, and equipment with accompanying furniture. Also, investing 31 million 612 million 231 pesos in camera frígida, which is an integral part of safe vaccine storage.

The 76 square meters of cold storage chambers, including 12 in Lebu, 23 in Los Ángeles, and 41 in Talcahuano, preserve both regular and campaign vaccines, along with clinical and non-clinical supplies. Furthermore, the Talcahuano facility hosts a 959-liter ultra-freeze chamber for extended vaccine storage. "These depots permit autonomous provincial distribution of vaccines and ensure rapid access to immunity boosters for the population," Barra iterates.

Vaccines stocked in these facilities include those against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, HPV virus, influenza, COVID-19, among others. Emergency immunoglobulin supplies for antitetánicos, antirrábico, varicela, and hepatitis B vaccinations are also on hand.

With a combined total of 140,719 vaccines – 9,276 in Lebu, 31,912 in Los Ángeles, and 99,531 in Talcahuano – and 89 emergency immunoglobulin units, these facilities significantly boost local immunization infrastructure.

According to the latest reports from Seremi de Salud, 716,000 doses of the influenza vaccine were administered, attaining an 88.3% coverage. Notably, vulnerable groups like senior residents in long-term care facilities and chronic patients show the highest rates ofadanritic compliance.

The Biobio region achieved an 85% coverage rate for the HPV vaccine in 4th grade and 84% in 5th grade. For the DTP vaccine, 1st grade students showed an 88% compliance, and 8th grade an 85% rate.

Distinctive to this region is the access to a R manger respiratorio sincitial (RSV) vaccine, provided free of charge through Nirsevimab. Over 13,000 newborns and infants from October 2023 to March 2024 receive this pioneering protection in Latin America. 7,274 newborns in maternities and 5,936 lactant infants in health centers have obtained this vital immunization, reflecting a coverage of 96% and 87% respectively.

When traveling, staying informed about potential vaccination needs is paramount. For trips to tropical regions in Africa and Latin America, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory ten days before departure. For countries with inadequate sanitation, the typhoid vaccine is recommended. Hepatitis A vaccines protect against contaminated food and water in non-Western regions. Hepatitis B risks are prevalent in non-developed countries.

Travelers headed to regions with rabies risk should vaccinate before departure, especially those potentially involving contact with animals. The ministry of health urges those born between 1971 and 1981 (or with incomplete vaccination history) to attests to their vaccination status before traveling to at-risk areas.

Lastly, while most travel vaccinations require private clinics, the Ministry of Health offers the measles vaccine free of charge. Stay up to date with all your vaccinations before your next trip to ensure a safer, healthier journey.

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Health

Vaccination Reaches 30% of Mallorca’s Livestock Against Bluetongue Disease

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: Fighting Back Against Bluetongue: Mallorca Leads the Charge in Vaccinating Livestock

Mallorca, balearic islands, and the rest of Spain are grappling with their worst livestock crisis in recent times, courtesy of a Culicoides genus mosquito that transmits Bluetongue disease. This virus has been relentlessly attacking sheep and cattle, making vaccination the sole defense against it. In a robust response, Mallorca has already vaccinated 30% of its livestock, with tens of thousands more doses expected in the coming months.

"The vaccination pace is positive," assures Fernando Fernández, Director General of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development. His team aims to protect 85% of the region’s livestock before April, when the transmitting mosquito’s new active period begins. This vaccination process will need to be repeated for three consecutive years to achieve the European Commission’s ‘zone free from Bluetongue’ status.

The initial 60,000 doses, received in November, targeted farms with declared outbreaks, prioritizing those with over 500 animals due to higher risk of disease propagation. This phase vaccinated 19% of the livestock, or 46,300 animals.

In early December, another 100,000 vials arrived. For sheep, 67,782 animals from 816 farms (27% of the sheep population) have been vaccinated. Mallorca reached 28%, Menorca 14%, and Ibiza 18.7%. For cattle, 1,303 animals have been vaccinated, with Mallorca accounting for 23% of its cattle population.

Fernández acknowledges the complexities of this mass vaccination effort, involving significant logistics and resources. However, he assures that vaccine supply will not be an issue, with the remaining 500,000 doses expected in February.

Bluetongue is a contagious disease affecting ruminants, previously well-controlled in Spain but now causing significant concern across Europe and Spain due to the increase in circulating serotypes – now 12, with four coexisting in Spain. Each vaccine is specific to a single serotype, complicating the response.

Spain’s unique approach to managing the disease has isolated it from other countries, with different strategies in place for neighboring France and Portugal,which have not mandated vaccination. This difference highlights the shared risk across borders.

Despite initial production gaps due to the emergence of serotypes 3 and 8, Spain’s two authorized vaccine producers are now fully focused on meeting local and European demands. With vaccinations underway and more doses on the way, Mallorca and Spain are determined to turn the tide against Bluetongue.

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Health

Maximizing Holidays: A Call to Complete Your Vaccination Schedule

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Headline: Ensuring Kids’ Health: importance of free vaccination and updated programs

Subhead: vaccination programs and their benefits for children and adolescents.

Article:

Navigating through the realm of healthcare, there’s one universally agreed-upon measure that outlines the path to children’s optimal health and well-being – vaccination. Its significance lies not only in its role as a health guard but also as a fundamental human right, ensuring many children across the globe receive the best chance at a healthy life. "Providing vaccinations is the greatest gift we can give our children," asserts Coralia Vázquez, stressing the importance of overcoming hesitation and availing the opportunity.

As expanded vaccination programs continue to roll out, it’s pivotal to stay informed about who is eligible and where to go. In Paraguay, the list of those eligible for vaccinations includes children and adolescents aged between 10 and 14 without prior vaccination history, pregnant women from 20 weeks of gestation with no previous vaccination, healthcare workers aged up to 59 years, and adults aged between 18 and 59 as a replacement for the tetanus and diphtheria (TD) shots.

Moreover, it’s crucial to maintain the regular vaccination schedule for children starting from two months old. The IPS Ingavi healthcare establishment reported vaccinating a remarkable 42,296 individuals within their annual count. Their vaccination center is stationed at the entrance of the Policlínica, along Captain Rivas and Río Ypané in San Lorenzo city, open Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Embracing and promoting vaccination programs is not just a communal responsibility, but a key to ensuring the health and safety of our kids. So, let’s revitalize our health awareness, break the myths, and ensure our children grow strong and healthy!

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Health

Childhood Tetanus Vaccination Schedule: Timing of Doses in the First Years of Life and adolescence

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

El tétanos, una enfermedad infecciosa causada por la toxina liberada por la bacteria Clostridium tetani, se encuentra ampliamente en zones como el suelo o el polvo y puede penetrar en nuestro organismo a través de lesiones en la piel como cortes, quemaduras o mordeduras de animales. Esta enfermedad es muy grave y puede producir la muerte en el 10-80% de las personas infectadas.

La medida más efectiva para prevenir el tétanos es la vacunación. En España, la tasa de vacunación contra esta enfermedad supera el 90%, lo que hace que anualmente no se den más de unos 10 casos. Las vacunas contienen la toxina que produce la bacteria, pero desprovista de su toxicidad, y tienen capacidad de estimular la producción de defensas frente a ella. Además, las vacunas autorizadas colaboran en la protección del cuerpo contra otras bacterias y virus como la tosferina, la difteria, la poliomielitis, la gripe o la hepatitis.

El calendario de vacunación es fundamental para recibir todas las dosis necesarias. La primera vacuna que protege contra el tétanos se inyecta a partir de las 27 semanas de gestación, posteriormente se dan otras tres dosis cuando el bebé ya ha nacido: a los 2, 4 y 11 meses de vida. A los 6 años, los menores se les vuelve a suministrar, si bien, en caso de que ya recibieran una cuarta dosis a los 18 meses, se administrará una dosis de recuerdo. Otra dosis sería a los 14 años, de modo que en total se hayan recibido 5 inyecciones.

Es importante que todas las personas verifiquen su estado de vacunación y complete la pauta si fuera necesario. Además, se administrará una dosis de refuerzo en torno a los 65 años a las personas que recibieron 5 dosis durante la infancia y la adolescencia.

Las personas infectadas por la bacteria del tétanos presentan contracciones musculares dolorosas que suelen empezar en la mandíbula, dificultando sowohl tragar como respirar. En los niños y adultos es común la rigidez abdominal como un primer signo, aunque a veces las contracciones se limitan a la zona de la lesión. Sin embargo, esta rigidez se va extendiendo por todo el cuerpo.

En resumen, el tétanos es una enfermedad infecciosa muy grave que puede prevenirse mediante la vacunación. Es importante conocer el calendario de vacunación y completar la pauta para protegerse contra esta enfermedad y otras. Además, es fundamental saber reconocer los síntomas del tétanos para recibir un tratamiento adecuado a tiempo.

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