He autumn is around the corner and with it, the arrival of the fearsome flu which can have an annual incidence of between 5 and 10% in adults and between 20 and 30% in children. Fortunately, we can avoid it (or catch it slightly) thanks to the flu vaccine, the campaign for which generally begins in October, as is the case for Community of Madrid which is then preparing to start providing the first doses, particularly to those most at risk. Let us know then Dates of the flu campaign in Madrid this year, how to make an appointment and who is most at risk.
THE flu is a respiratory disease contagious influenza caused by influenza viruses, which can cause mild symptoms to severe complications and, in some cases, death. Therefore, the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year, as the vaccines are safe and effective. In fact, when the autumn the campaign usually begins flu vaccineso if you live in Madrid, it is possible that soon you will see in your health center how they begin to promote the vaccination campaign against this disease, especially in the case of people considered to be at higher risk of contracting the disease. . In this way, if you want to vaccinate your children, your elders or yourself, you just have to follow the steps that we indicate to you, make an appointment and be able to get vaccinated without problem during the flu vaccination campaign for this 2024-2025 season.
Madrid prepares for flu vaccine
For now, the exact dates of this new flu vaccination campaign have not yet been given, but the truth is that if we follow last year’s calendar, everything indicates that It will resume in the second half of October.
Last year, the campaign took place between October 16 and January 31. At that time, in the Community of Madrid 1.5 million people have been vaccinatedThe coverage rate was 69.1% among those over 65, representing a total of 844,441 people. Thus, the Ministry of Health managed to increase vaccination by 67,516 additional people than during the 2022-23 campaign. Furthermore, for the first time in the region, 85,155 healthy children between 6 months and 5 years They received this preventive vaccine and for this 2024-2025 campaign, children in this age group will once again be part of the vaccination groups.
For this year’s campaign, it was reported last May that the Government Council of the Community of Madrid has given its consent for the acquisition of 1,550,000 doses of flu vaccine with an estimated investment of 20 million euros. This amount ensures that the demand of the population to which it is addressed is covered, given that the figures from the previous campaign in fact increase by 3% compared to the doses supplied last year.
The Regional Executive has decided to acquire a total ofand 980,000 vials of quadrivalent vaccines with adjuvantspecifically intended to persons aged 60 or overIn addition to 70,000 other high charges, for those who belong to the aforementioned age group, are located in residences, with 500,000 additional doses for the rest of Madrid citizens included in the vaccination campaign.
Who should wear it
The campaign targets the audience people over 60 years old, as well as, for the second time, the child population between 6 months and 5 years oldin addition to the people who are part of risk groups. These include, among others, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, health professionals, social and health workers, caregivers and personnel performing essential functions.
The Ministry of Health stresses the importance of vaccination against influenza from the beginning of the campaign, during the autumn season, both as a preventive measure to avoid respiratory complications and hospitalizations associated with the influenza virus and to prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable people.
How to request an appointment?
As last year, he should be able to receive the vaccine at different locations, including Health centersSERMAS offices, public and private hospitals, Municipal Community Health Centers of the Madrid City Council, the Vaccination Center of the Community of Madrid, accredited private medical centers and other institutions, such as nursing homes and penitentiaries, among others.
If you want to receive the vaccine at a primary care center, you must request it in advance. by telephone (by calling the health center or also at 900 102 112), via the website of the Community of Madrid or even, through the Request for a health appointment in Madrid Once the date is chosen, the person will have to present themselves at the health center on the assigned day.
