Madrid health officials are intensifying efforts to combat a rising influenza outbreak, with over 8,000 residents vaccinated at the Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal this month alone.The increased vaccination capacity comes as the Community of Madrid surpasses epidemic thresholds, prompting a broadened campaign targeting all adults alongside existing programs for vulnerable populations. The move also follows criticism from regional health minister Fátima Matute regarding the national government’s response to the seasonal flu.
– Eduardo Parra – Europa Press – Archivo
MADRID 8 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
More than 8,000 residents of Madrid have received a flu vaccine at the Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal this December, with approximately 1,200 vaccinations administered daily. This increased capacity was implemented after a special vaccination program was established for individuals over the age of 18, according to sources from the Madrid Regional Ministry of Health.
The expanded vaccination effort began after the region surpassed the epidemic threshold, registering an incidence rate of 42 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the Community of Madrid. Increased vaccination rates are a key public health strategy to mitigate the spread of influenza and protect vulnerable populations.
In an interview with ‘esRadio,’ the Madrid Regional Minister of Health, Fátima Matute, criticized the national Minister of Health, Mónica García, for what she described as a delayed response to the flu season. “The minister now says she’s protecting us from the flu, but she started when everyone already had a cold,” Matute stated, adding that the Community of Madrid began planning for this campaign in September, even during warmer weather.
Matute also highlighted Madrid’s pioneering role in vaccinating infants and adults against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), noting that 43% of severe hospital admissions among older adults were attributable to RSV. “We expect to measure the impact of this, because that’s what you have to do – measure. Unlike those in the Ministry who don’t measure and instead focus on attacking the Community of Madrid,” she added.
FLU VACCINATION
Vaccinations at Hospital Isabel Zendal are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. without a prior appointment. Individuals under 18 years of age should continue to receive flu vaccinations at their local health centers.
This initiative, which will continue as long as the epidemiological situation remains unchanged, aims to bolster the ongoing immunization campaign that began on October 15th. To date, more than 1.2 million people in the region have been vaccinated. This expanded access to vaccination is intended to reduce the burden of influenza on the healthcare system.
The protective measures are particularly targeted towards Madrid residents over the age of 60, healthcare and social care personnel, and patients with chronic conditions. Vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women, individuals with chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, or kidney disease, diabetics, caregivers of vulnerable individuals, smokers, and teachers in nurseries and early childhood education centers.
Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal joins over 800 vaccination points across the region coordinated by the Directorate General of Public Health. These locations primarily include primary care facilities, hospitals within the Madrid Health Service, and nursing homes for the elderly and people with disabilities.
