More than 220,000 people have been vaccinated. The region ranks third nationally, after Maule and Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins regions. As of 23 days since the start of the influenza vaccination campaign nationwide, the region has achieved a coverage rate of 25.
9%, with 220,514 people vaccinated. The Health Authority of Biobío has reinforced its call to the groups that make up the target population for the vaccine to access it, both at public health centers and at private vaccination sites in agreement with the SEREMI of Health. Influenza is an acute respiratory illness that spreads from person to person through Pflügge droplets containing the virus, and through direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions on surfaces.
Its signs and symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, myalgia, sore throat, cough, rhinorrhea (nasal discharge), headache, substernal burning, and ocular symptoms. "Vaccination against influenza is of high health importance, as it helps prevent severe, moderate, and mild illnesses caused by Influenza A and B, reduces the demand for outpatient and hospital care, and decreases mortality in at-risk groups. In this context, while it is encouraging that, three weeks into the vaccination campaign, our region has surpassed 25% coverage, we reinforce the call to the groups that make up the target population for the vaccine, especially those at higher risk, to access the vaccine for free through the health network," stated Paola Sepúlveda Alarcón, Regional Coordinator of the National Immunization Program of the SEREMI of Health of Biobío.
During these initial weeks of vaccination, the process is led by public health personnel (60. 9%) and private health personnel (49. 5%), followed by staff and residents of Long-Term Care Facilities for the Elderly (ELEAM) (33.
8%), pig, poultry, and livestock farmers (31. 7%), individuals with chronic diseases aged 11 to 59 years (30. 9%), and individuals aged 60 and older (28.
1%).