SC expands flu vaccination for children up to 12 years old

The flu immunization campaign runs until May 31st (Photo: Patrick Rodrigues, NSC)

Flu vaccination will be available to more people in Santa Catarina starting this Monday (29). From now on, children up to 12 years of age will also be able to be vaccinated with the vaccine in state health units. The enlargement was requested to the Ministry of Health last Tuesday (23).

Continues after advertising

Join NSC Total’s exclusive community of columnists

The action occurs due to the anticipation of the circulation of respiratory viruses in Santa Catarina, and also the increase in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) due to influenza in children in this age group. According to data from the State Department of Health (SES), 80% of SARS hospitalizations due to influenza are patients aged up to 12 years old, or over 60 years old.

Until then, only children up to 5 years old could take the vaccine. From now on, the flu vaccine is recommended for all children between six months and 12 years of age.

The other priority groups, which include elderly people aged 60 and over, people with comorbidities and permanent disabilities, health workers, teachers, among others, remain in force.

Continues after advertising

Santa Catarina currently has a vaccination coverage of 29.9%. The Ministry of Health’s recommendation is to reach 90% vaccination coverage. The immunization campaign continues until May 31st.

The vaccine offered by the Unified Health System (SUS) protects against the main influenza viruses, which are influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B virus. However, the effect of the vaccine occurs approximately two to three weeks after application. Because of this, the recommendation is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

In the case of children who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time, it will be two doses, 30 days apart. For children who are also in the age range for dengue vaccine application, 10 to 14 years old, vaccines must be administered at least 24 hours apart.