With the arrival of autumn and winter, the circulation of respiratory viruses increases. The Department of Health faces another year of the vaccination campaign against the flu and COVID-19 with the aim of protecting and immunizing as many people as possible who are most likely to suffer complications. The objective is to achieve 75% coverage for the population aged 60 and over, people with risk conditions, and healthcare personnel; 60% coverage for pregnant women, and increased protection for children.
In this regard, the Secretary of Public Health, Esteve Fernàndez, emphasizes that "vaccination is a life-saving instrument. It prevents infections and, thus, the collapse of healthcare services." In Catalonia, vaccination prevents more than 34,000 cases of diseases and their health complications each year. Vaccination is vital. In fact, it is the most cost-effective public health measure.
How to get vaccinated?
On September 23, the first phase of vaccination against the flu and COVID-19 began, aimed at people living in residences, people aged 80 or older, those receiving home care, and pregnant women. In mid-October, vaccination for the rest of the population included in the recommendations of health authorities was launched.
To request a day and time at the CAP, it must be done through La Meva Salut, preferably, in the Appointments section, by clicking on Primary care appointments and consultations and choosing the Vaccination option. It can also be requested on the website citasalut.gencat.cat/ or by going directly to the CAP.
In addition, at least one population vaccination point has been enabled in each health region to facilitate accessibility to protection against respiratory viruses. It can be accessed without prior appointment during the established hours.
Pilot test
As a novelty, the regions of Barcelonès Nord, Baix Maresme and Maresme Central are this year the object of a pilot test to increase vaccination coverage of the target population through the sending of SMS for proactive appointments at population vaccination points. These SMS are aimed at people aged 60 to 80, people with risk factors aged 12 to 59, children aged six months to five years, and children with risk conditions aged five to eleven years.
There are six population vaccination points, located in primary care centers. They are located in Sant Adrià de Besòs (CAP Dr. Barraquer), Badalona (CAP Dr. Robert), Premià de Mar (CAP Premià de Mar-Dr. Gasol, entrance through emergencies), Mataró (CAP El Maresme), Sant Andreu de Llavaneres (CAP Sant Andreu de Llavaneres-Manoli Marco) and Santa Coloma (CAP Santa Coloma). The hours are Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 8 pm.
This year's campaign includes the participation of pharmacies to help raise awarenessIn addition to people cited by SMS, all people included in the vaccination recommendations can go to these points. There is no need to book a day and time, and you can preferably go from 4 PM to 7 PM. Anyone who receives a summons to go to a population vaccination point, if they prefer, can request an appointment and get vaccinated at their reference CAP.
Awareness in pharmacies
This year's campaign has another novelty: the participation of Catalan pharmacies to help raise awareness among the population over 60 about the importance of vaccination and contribute to increasing vaccination coverage.
Who is the flu and COVID-19 vaccine recommended for?
- People aged 60 and over
- People aged five and over residing in nursing homes and centers for people with disabilities, as well as other long-term institutionalized people and residents in closed institutions
- People under 60 (including children from six months of age) with risk conditions
- People with immunosuppression
- Pregnant women and those who have given birth in the last six months
- Contacts and caregivers of high-risk individuals
- Workers in public and private health and social care centers and establishments
- Police, firefighters, civil protection personnel, etc.
- Children aged six to 59 months
- People aged five to 18 years receiving prolonged treatment with acetylsalicylic acid
- Children between five and eleven years old (inclusive) with risk conditions
- Smokers
- People with celiac disease
- People with cerebrospinal fluid fistula (a fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and cochlear implant or awaiting this implant
- Students in internships in health and social care centers
- People with direct occupational exposure to domestic birds or pigs, and also to wild birds or other wildlife
- Teaching staff, especially those in nurseries and early childhood education centers