Jorge Carrasco, president of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics, said flu vaccine coverage for children under five stands at only 60.54%, below the 80% target.
Pediatrician Jorge Carrasco, president of SOCHIPE, assessed the current flu vaccination scenario. He noted that the overall process reaches 75.42% of the target population, yet risk groups such as children aged six months to five years and those over 60 register coverage near 60%.
Carrasco warned that rhinovirus and influenza affect children most strongly this season. He reported an increase in consultations and hospitalizations for acute respiratory infections, though the health system is not overwhelmed.
The specialist attributed low coverage to reduced risk perception among the population. He recommended focused communication campaigns on children under five, older adults and pregnant women for the coming winter weeks, when viral circulation typically rises.