Cuba Develops Vaccination Campaign Against Seasonal Flu
As of November 9 Cuba is to carry out a vaccination campaign against seasonal flu aimed at people over 75 years of age and other risk groups, reported an expert on Friday.
Doctor Manuel Santin Pena, national director of epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health, told journalists that persons in homes for the elderly and handicapped, as well as those in psychiatric hospitals or suffering from asthma, severe diabetes and chronic kidney diseases will also be benefitted.
He pointed out that 902,000 doses acquired through the World Health Organization (WHO) will be administered and explained that the antigen is specific for three viral strains with probable circulation in the country, although not absolutely effective for all viruses present during the winter season.
For this reason, an immunized person with this vaccine can suffer flu symptoms, the specialist explained and added that it is not specific for the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic for which there are not other vaccines yet available to the country.
The vaccine against seasonal flu will be applied as a single dose through the primary system of medical attention throughout the country and for which the necessary organizational measures have been assured.
He explained that there are no known important adverse reactions although fever and general malaise can appear after inoculation. He also recommended not applying this product to persons presenting temporary infectious processes.
For several years the nation has been making efforts to vaccinate the most vulnerable population prone to seasonal flu or influenza to prevent complications in theses groups, but it is necessary to take into account that respiratory viruses are unpredictable and behave deviously, he added.
We insist on maintaining and improving the strategy of prevention, with measures including complying with hygienic measures, washing hands with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose to sneeze or cough, preventing contact with sick persons and not frequenting enclosed places, among others.
Doctor Manuel Santin Pena, national director of epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health, told journalists that persons in homes for the elderly and handicapped, as well as those in psychiatric hospitals or suffering from asthma, severe diabetes and chronic kidney diseases will also be benefitted.
He pointed out that 902,000 doses acquired through the World Health Organization (WHO) will be administered and explained that the antigen is specific for three viral strains with probable circulation in the country, although not absolutely effective for all viruses present during the winter season.
For this reason, an immunized person with this vaccine can suffer flu symptoms, the specialist explained and added that it is not specific for the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic for which there are not other vaccines yet available to the country.
The vaccine against seasonal flu will be applied as a single dose through the primary system of medical attention throughout the country and for which the necessary organizational measures have been assured.
He explained that there are no known important adverse reactions although fever and general malaise can appear after inoculation. He also recommended not applying this product to persons presenting temporary infectious processes.
For several years the nation has been making efforts to vaccinate the most vulnerable population prone to seasonal flu or influenza to prevent complications in theses groups, but it is necessary to take into account that respiratory viruses are unpredictable and behave deviously, he added.
We insist on maintaining and improving the strategy of prevention, with measures including complying with hygienic measures, washing hands with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose to sneeze or cough, preventing contact with sick persons and not frequenting enclosed places, among others.
Source:
Prensa Latina
Date:
31/10/2009