Chile's flu vaccination campaign has reached 61.2% progress, exceeding the April target, but with low coverage in children, seniors, and pregnant women. Public Health Undersecretary Alejandra Pizarro urged reaching 70% in May. Over 6 million doses have been administered at more than 1,700 free sites.
The Ministry of Health (Minsal) reported that the flu vaccination campaign has administered over 6 million doses, reaching 61.2% coverage in a target population of more than 10 million people. This exceeds the 50% target for April, with an average of 91,000 vaccinations per day.
However, priority groups lag behind: children aged 6 months to 5 years at 49.44%, seniors over 60 at 51.27%, and pregnant women at 51.38%. Public Health Undersecretary Alejandra Pizarro stated: “In May we must have 70% progress. However, there are some target groups where flu vaccination coverage has not been as expected, especially in older adults and preschool age”.
Leading regions include Maule (68.4%), O’Higgins (62.91%), and Metropolitana (62%), while Coquimbo (51.93%), Arica y Parinacota (54.4%), and Antofagasta (55%) have the lowest. Adequate protection requires 85% coverage. Last week, emergency consultations for respiratory causes rose among those under 15.
Vaccination is free at over 1,700 public and private sites, available at www.mevacuno.cl or by calling 600 360 7777. Minsal marked the 24th Vaccination Week of the Americas, aligned with PAHO/WHO goals to eliminate preventable diseases by 2030.
