The Ministry of Health announced this Friday (12) the expansion of flu vaccination. From next Monday (15), the entire population over 6 months can receive the dose. The goal, according to the folder, is to expand vaccination coverage against the disease before winter, when respiratory infections tend to increase. To date, 21 million people have been immunized – 30% of the priority group. “The guidance responds to the request of states and municipalities, which can use vaccines in stock and adopt local strategies to operationalize immunization, taking into account the realities of each region. More than 80 million doses of the trivalent vaccine, produced by the Butantan Institute, were distributed throughout the country. The goal is to vaccinate 90% of the population”, highlighted the ministry, through a note. The flu vaccine was being applied only to the priority public, formed by elderly people over 60 years old, children (aged from 6 months and under 6 years old), pregnant women, puerperal women (up to 45 days after childbirth), immunosuppressed , indigenous people, health and education professionals, people with permanent disabilities or comorbidities, public transport and port professionals, security and rescue forces workers, armed forces and prison system workers, and the population deprived of liberty. In the statement, the ministry stressed that immunization is essential because it reduces the burden of the disease, especially in people with health problems and the elderly, preventing hospitalizations and deaths, in addition to reducing the burden on health services. By the end of April, at least 253 flu deaths were confirmed in the country. “Seasonal influenza vaccines have an excellent safety profile and are generally well tolerated. Manifestations such as pain at the injection site are common and occur in 15% to 20% of patients, being benign and usually resolved within 48 hours”, informs the ministry. The flu vaccine is manufactured with inactivated, fragmented and purified viruses, that is, it is not capable of inducing the development of the disease. The composition and concentration of antigens are updated every year according to the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO Still according to the ministry, the immunizer can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines on the national calendar. eligible and in all UBSs [unidades básicas de saúde]. With the onset of winter, when the virus circulates more intensively, vaccination can help minimize respiratory symptoms by avoiding hospitalizations”, reinforced the municipal secretary of Health, Luiz Carlos Zamarco, in a note. According to the Municipal Health Department, the Influenza vaccine is available at the UBSs and at outpatient medical assistance (AMAs)/Integrated UBS. More information about the posts can be found in the Health Establishment Location System of the SUS Network in the City of São Paulo and in De Olho na Fila. *With collaboration from Elaine Patrícia Cruz Extended article at 5:07 pm
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