The Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEpap) has made things very clear this Friday. And he has done it after leading an appeal to families and administrationsin view of the start of flu vaccination this month of October.
The goal? It is clear: urgently improve coverage figures for children under five years of age. And not only are the little ones vaccinated to protect others and prevent them from acting as transmitters, but vaccination protects the minors themselves.
“Boys and girls without risk factors can develop serious conditions that require hospital admission“, highlighted the coordinator of the AEPap Vaccine Group, Ignatius Domingo. In fact, although the flu causes higher mortality In older people, young children are hospitalized in the same proportion as those over 60 years of age.
To take into account: data
According to the information provided by the statistical portal of the Ministry of Health, the average coverage in Spain of flu vaccination for children under five years of age last season was 36%with some of the most populated communities, such as Madrid and Cataloniabelow that figure. In others, like Basque Country and Balearic Islandss, it didn’t even reach 20%.
Given this panorama, the president of AEPap, Pedro Gorrotxategihas clarified that this year they have to “change the situation” and all Primary Care pediatricians must “make an effort“for explaining to fathers and mothers in consultations”the convenience of childhood vaccinationalso from the flu, at the ages recommended by health authorities”.
Two types of vaccines
There are generally two types of vaccines available today. On the one hand, the intranasalwhich may be more comfortable, but is not authorized for children under two years of age. On the other hand, the intramuscularadministered in one injection and being the only one available for children between six months and two years. Or, for those under five years of age to whom the intranasal vaccine cannot be administered.
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