SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE December 3 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Health for the Canary Islands Government, Esther Monzón, elaborated this Tuesday in a parliamentary committee that the flu vaccination initiative has surged by 9.5% this year, now benefiting over 153,000 individuals.
In response to an inquiry from the Popular Group, she noted that the campaign commenced on 15 October across all health facilities in the archipelago, deploying a total of 295,000 doses, supported by an investment exceeding 2.1 million euros.
Monzón stated, “These figures illustrate the heightened awareness and dedication among citizens to safeguard themselves both individually and collectively against the virus, as well as the efficacy of the promotional strategy that has been put in place.”
She also mentioned that five different varieties of flu vaccine have been procured and are being administered in social healthcare centres, nursing homes, medium to long-term care facilities, health centres, correctional facilities, occupational risk prevention services within public hospitals, and also in private hospitals.
Concerning vaccination against COVID-19, she remarked that there has been a “slight decrease” when compared to last year, with just over 70,600 individuals immunised.
The minister has indicated “as a new development” that child vaccinations continue in schools, “a measure that aids family reconciliation and enhances accessibility, particularly in rural locations or areas with travel difficulties.”
She also emphasised the enhanced role of healthcare professionals, “not only as a target population for vaccination but also as proactive agents” in endorsing vaccinations.
“The vaccine is preventive; it works, it has proven effective, and we should continue to motivate ourselves to get vaccinated,” she pointed out.
Rebeca Paniagua (PP) has cautioned that the flu “is just around the corner” even though it appears to have been delayed due to the current warmer conditions, which are not as cold as one would typically expect for this time of year. However, heightened health care demand is anticipated for late December, January, and February.
“As temperatures drop, the incidence of this illness will undoubtedly rise. The vaccine remains the best preventive measure and, moreover, the most effective,” she elaborated.
