Influenza H1N1: More Prevention Means More Protection
The vaccine for H1N1 Influenza will be administered free of charge to the entire population of Brazil, except for children under 6 months of age, who are advised not to receive the vaccine. Children aged 2 to 19 years old, and adults aged 40 to 59 will have to pay to receive the vaccination.
Health officials in Paraná are concerned about the shortage of vaccines in the region. Gilberto Martin of the State Department of Health (SESA) explains the lack of vaccines: “When the Ministry of Health purchased vaccines, there were not enough for the whole population. Thus we are prioritizing the most vulnerable age groups. The goal is to reduce the possibility of complications and reduce the number of deaths.” The goal of the H1N1 vaccination campaign in Paraná is to vaccinate five million people, almost half the population.
The vaccination period started on March 22 and runs until May 21, but each age group will have a specific time to go to a health clinic to receive the vaccine. Health workers, indigenous people, and women will have priority. April 5 to 23 is reserved for people aged of 20 to 29; April 24 to May 7 for elderly; and May 10 to 21 for people aged 30 to 39 years.
On March 15, a new report was published showing the number of people affected by the disease. This year in Paraná alone, 1702 cases were reported. Of these, 7 deaths and 459 cases were confirmed by medical centers in the state.
