Tweet
Spanish-English translation
Increase influenza cases in Puerto Rico
Published on Friday, 11 January 2013 16:35
The appointed secretary of the Department of Health, Fisheries Joglar Francisco, recommended Thursday the population vaccinated against seasonal influenza. The call comes in the wake of the latest report by the Influenza Surveillance System which revealed a significant increase in positive cases of influenza.
Dr. Joglar Fisheries reported that the latest report, for the week 52, showed 30 cases of influenza A and 9 cases of influenza B, resulting in a total of 14.067 cases positive for influenza closing the year 2012. "The number of positive cases has increased on a large scale in 2012. For 2011 it reported a total of 3.813 which represents an increase of 10.254 cases, "explained
In turn, the health minister recommended the vaccine as the best way to prevent this infection and its complications. "Influenza vaccine for 2012-2013 season will provide protection against influenza virus A/H1N1 pandemic and two other viruses, influenza and influenza type B. A/H3N2v That is why we advise our people to attend the free vaccinations will be doing that as of this month, "he said.
"The Center for Disease Control (CDC, for its acronym in English) hopes that this is the season with more cases of influenza since 2009. High cases of influenza have been reported in the United States and Puerto Rico. In fact, the mayor of Boston said Wednesday his city under Public Health Emergency. That is why our appeals to people's urgent. We must protect and take steps to prevent infection, "he said.
Dr. Joglar Fisheries reported that, according to the Immunization Program of the Department of Health, all children over 6 months of age and who qualify for the vaccine should be vaccinated. The population that is most at risk are children between 6-35 months of age, pregnant females, people with chronic health conditions, residents and staff of nursing homes, retirement homes and other health facilities.
"It is the responsibility of adults to care for the health of children. That is why we encourage tutors that besides taking their children to be vaccinated, they also get vaccinated. Similarly, people who serve as caregivers for seniors must safeguard the health of older people and prevent infection through vaccination, "also recommended the nephrologist.
Although there are now people with suspicion in the vaccine, the Health Secretary, said that vaccination is a safe method that is supported by the CDC. "Many people mistakenly believe that became ill because of this vaccine. However, the vaccine is safe and effective. However, it warns that people should not be vaccinated ever had a severe allergic reaction to previous vaccinations, to eggs or any component of the vaccine and people when the vaccine with an acute febrile illness. In the latter case, it is recommended to receive the vaccine when his health improves, "stressed the Secretary.
He also confirmed that those with mild illness without fever can be vaccinated, particularly children with upper respiratory tract infection or allergic rhinitis. In turn reported to the Department of Health, through its vaccination program, vaccine supplies Influenza vaccination providers Health Plan of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, My Health. This vaccine can be administered to the participants of My Health and Medicaid eligible people have no health insurance. However, people with private insurance and Medicare Part B participants, should contact their plans to get their vaccination providers.
As part of the process of vaccination to prevent infection, Joglar Fisheries announced that the vaccination program carried out mass vaccinations to eight people.
Below details of vaccinations:
January 19 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) at Walmart and Fajardo Mayaguez
January 26 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) at Walmart in Bayamon and Humacao
February 2 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) at Walmart Manati and Guayama
February 9 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) at Walmart Hatillo and Caguas
Finally, Dr. Joglar called on the population of the island: "If you have not vaccinated and you meet the above requirements, do not miss the opportunity to protect your life and that of your loved ones, get vaccinated."