The Ministry of Health instructed regional authorities to prioritize hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations in areas affected by rains. From this Thursday influenza inoculation will be available to the entire population that requires it.
Undersecretary of Public Health Alejandra Pizarro explained that the vaccines already exist in the National Immunization Program but are prioritized in emergencies. She said the instruction was given to all regions and that it is already being administered in the Metropolitan Region, Coquimbo and Atacama.
Pizarro noted that hepatitis A is transmitted fecal-orally and the risk increases with water contamination from rains. The tetanus vaccine is also being administered due to contact with affected soils and surfaces.
Regarding respiratory diseases the authority expanded influenza vaccination to the entire population from this Thursday. Until now it was only available for target groups and the process shows 77.69 percent progress.
