The Catalan Health Service (Salut) is urging people to get vaccinated against the flu to contain the wave of infections.

The Catalan government is calling for get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. The Catalan Health Department has opened vaccination to everyone who wants it, even if they are not part of at-risk groups, with the aim of expanding coverage and strengthening herd immunity. The goal is to reduce infections, prevent serious complications, and avoid hospitalizations, especially among the most vulnerable. Health authorities are particularly urging children between 6 and 59 months old, people over sixty, pregnant women, healthcare professionals and essential workers, as well as people with underlying health conditions, to get vaccinated. High level of infections

The incidence of influenza and other respiratory infections in Catalonia has climbed to very high levels, with a 50% increase in cases in just one week. Between December 1st and 7th, the Catalan Health Department estimates that 1,115 acute respiratory infections were recorded per 100,000 inhabitants, the equivalent of approximately 90,000 cases per week. Influenza is the predominant virus in this wave and continues its upward trend. The current estimate is 418 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with circulation occurring four weeks earlier than in previous seasons. The predominant subtype in this wave of infections is A(H3N2) variant K. This high transmission rate threatens to further strain the healthcare system, especially in units already under considerable pressure during the winter. Face masks are mandatory.

Given this situation, the Catalan government has made the use of face masks mandatory in hospitals, primary care centers (CAPs), and care homes for everyone aged six and over—staff, patients, and visitors. The measure will initially remain in effect until December 24. The requirement applies to all healthcare settings, from primary care to mental health services and care homes for the elderly or people with disabilities. However, people with respiratory illnesses or difficulties that could be aggravated by wearing a mask, as well as those who, due to disability or dependency, cannot remove it independently, will not be required to wear one. Why do we need to get vaccinated every year?

The flu and Covid-19 viruses are constantly mutating, and the protection offered by vaccines or acquired immunity diminishes over time. Hence the importance of getting vaccinated again every autumn if you belong to a risk group. One noteworthy statistic: in Catalonia, more than half of the people over sixty admitted to the ICU with the flu were unvaccinated. In fact, people at risk are more predisposed to developing complications if they contract the flu or Covid-19, such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinusitis, dehydration, and worsening of chronic illnesses, such as heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

How and where to book an appointment?

Vaccination is free and appointments can be made through My Health, preferably in the section of Quotesby clicking on Primary care appointments and consultations and choosing the option VaccinationYou can also do this by contacting the Primary Care Center (CAP) directly or through the scheduling website.citasalud.gencat.catSince September 22, 1,153,109 people have been vaccinated against the flu, approximately 168,000 more than in the same period of 2014. Regarding COVID-19, 778,408 people have already received the vaccine adapted to the LP variant. Groups for whom the flu vaccine is recommended

• All people aged sixty or over.
• Children from six months to four years old.
• Children and young people up to eighteen years of age who suffer from risk diseases or who take treatments with acetylsalicylic acid.
• People under 60 years of age with risk health conditions (smokers, with immunosuppression, celiac disease, diabetic disease, etc.).
• Residents in healthcare or social care centers, such as nursing homes.
• Pregnant women or those who have given birth in the last six months.
• Healthcare and social care professionals, teachers, pharmacy staff and workers with exposure to animals.
• Cohabitants or caregivers of high-risk individuals.

Groups for whom the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended

• People aged sixty or over.
• People between six months and 59 years old with chronic diseases or other high-risk health conditions.
• People institutionalized in residences or socio-health centers.
• Pregnant women.
• Healthcare and social care professionals.
• Cohabitants or caregivers of vulnerable people.