The Spanish vaccination program covers in principle all diseases that could arise from the natural disaster that devastated Valencia and other areas of Spain, as a result of the damage, but in the midst of the respiratory infection season it becomes even more important that its population be vaccinated against influenza, covid-19 and pneumococcus.
“In principle, if there is no epidemic of any other disease, the current calendar covers all the most frequent diseases,” pediatrician and spokesperson for the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV) Fernando Moraga-Llop informs EFE . The Spanish vaccination calendar for Dana is being prepared.
Valencian health authorities have recommended the tetanus vaccine to those suffering from abrasive or sharp wounds in disaster areas; In this regard, the expert calls for calm because those who have the complete picture, which is quite probable in the under 45s, should remain calm.
What is the tetanus vaccine like?
Tetanus, as defined by WHO, is an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which are found everywhere in the environment, particularly in soil, ash, intestines and feces of animals and humans , and on the surface of the skin and rusty tools such as nails, needles, etc. They are very resistant to heat and most antiseptics and can survive for years.
In Spain, their association recalls, vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTP) was introduced in 1965. Since then the guidelines have been revised and improved and it also enjoys very high acceptance: the latest data from the Ministry of Health increases coverage in the first four pediatric doses which will exceed 90% in 2023.
Currently, two doses of primary vaccination are administered to children aged 2 and 4 months, followed by three more booster doses at 11 months, 6 and 14 years, so those who have followed this systematic program of childhood vaccination “must” be calm ” because they almost certainly don’t have five punctures.
The first thing that people in the areas affected by the tragedy that caused damage should do if they suffer from a so-called “tetanogenic” wound is go to a health center to have the wound cleaned “until the professional deems it appropriate”. .
From there it is advisable that they receive a souvenir as long as the last dose was not administered in the last 5 years, underlines the former president of the Catalan Society of Vaccinology.
In case of doubt, the ideal would be to know your vaccination status, which is provided by health centers; In this sense, the Valencian Community has a “clear advantage”, namely that of having one of the most advanced IT systems.
However, given the circumstances, if it is not possible now, it would be advisable to obtain this reinforcement and then access the history and, if necessary, complete the regimen.
And the rest?
For the rest, and as regards communicable diseases preventable with the vaccine, “the population must remain calm, because those who are well vaccinated should not have particular precautions” in addition to keeping the vaccination calendar updated and following it at all times. the recommendations issued by the Valencia Department of Health, including those it is making regarding individual protection.
In this phase of the disaster the most common thing will be the appearance of gastrointestinal diseases; In this sense the pediatrician refers to hepatitis A, for which there is also a vaccine, which is administered systematically in Catalonia, Ceuta and Melilla.
A “safe, effective and economical” vaccine which, moreover, many people have already received because it is one of those recommended by vaccination centers for many international trips.
Therefore, the expert insists on the need to take extreme precautions with elderly people, even more
For this reason, he appeals to the need for the target groups of influenza (children from 5 to 59 months, people over 60 and people with risk conditions, basically), covid-19 (people over 60 and chronically ill , among others) and pneumococcus (from 65) are vaccinated.
People exposed to the risks of the storm do not constitute a specific risk group, but perhaps now “they should do it a little” more than in other areas of Spain because respiratory problems resulting from the mud residues could arise, without forgetting that the overcrowding conditions and prolonged stay outdoors favor the transmission of these viruses.
However, in addition to insisting on the importance of keeping the vaccination program updated, Moraga-Llop concludes with a final request: the importance that, in the face of events like this, “committees of independent experts of all kinds be formed” .” of political nuances to solve specific problems, both epidemiological and public health.”
And also that official information channels are always used, such as in this case the Ministry and the Ministry of Health, to which AEV has offered its full availability to collaborate to mitigate the impact of this tragedy.
Spanish vaccination program for Dana prepared.
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Dan Valencia
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Vehicles piled up in a street after the intense rains which caused serious damage which mainly affected several areas of Valencia, such as Picaña (Valencia). EFE/Biel Aliño
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Interview Transcript: The Importance of Vaccination Post-Natural Disaster in Spain
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good morning, Dr. Fernando Moraga-Llop! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. As someone deeply embedded in the field of vaccinology, can you share your insights on the importance of vaccination for those affected by the recent disaster in Valencia and other areas of Spain?
Dr. Fernando Moraga-Llop: Good morning! Thank you for having me. The importance of vaccination post-disaster cannot be overstated. Natural disasters can create an environment where diseases can spread more easily due to deteriorated sanitary conditions and increased exposure to infectious agents. Our current vaccination program in Spain is designed to combat this very risk, covering a range of diseases exacerbated by such events.
Interviewer: Could you elaborate on which specific vaccines are being prioritized right now, especially given the respiratory infection season?
Dr. Moraga-Llop: Certainly! Amid the respiratory infection season, it becomes crucial for the population to be vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus. Additionally, the health authorities have recommended that anyone suffering from sharp or abrasive wounds in the affected areas receive the tetanus vaccine. It’s all about ensuring we’re prepared to avoid an outbreak.
Interviewer: You mentioned the tetanus vaccine specifically. Can you explain what it is and why it’s particularly relevant in this context?
Dr. Moraga-Llop: Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which are found in various environments, especially soil and among animal waste. After a disaster, people might be exposed to tetanus spores through wounds. For those who have completed their DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough) vaccinations, which have a coverage exceeding 90% in Spain for early childhood doses, the risk is significantly lowered. Still, if you have a “tetanogenic” wound, it’s vital to seek medical attention for proper cleaning and possible booster vaccination.
Interviewer: What should individuals do if they are uncertain about their vaccination status or have missed doses?
Dr. Moraga-Llop: First and foremost, individuals should try to access their vaccination history through health centers—our Valencian Community boasts a sophisticated IT system for this purpose. If this isn’t possible due to the disaster’s circumstances, I advise getting vaccinated as soon as you can. Keeping your vaccination status updated is key to protecting yourself and those around you.
Interviewer: Beyond tetanus, are there other vaccinations the public should focus on in the aftermath of such events?
Dr. Moraga-Llop: Yes, absolutely! We also need to be vigilant about gastrointestinal diseases like hepatitis A, especially among vulnerable populations. Vaccination against hepatitis A is already part of routine immunizations in places like Catalonia and Melilla. It’s important for people to be aware of vaccines that can prevent these occurrences during a crisis.
Interviewer: What unique challenges do you think the recent disaster poses, particularly concerning respiratory diseases?
Dr. Moraga-Llop: In crowded conditions, particularly post-disaster, respiratory problems can rise, especially if individuals are exposed to mud and other respiratory irritants. We encourage high-risk groups—children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions—to stay vigilant and get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus. The need for vaccinations in such environments is heightened.
Interviewer: Lastly, what’s your call to action for both authorities and the public in response to this crisis?
Dr. Moraga-Llop: My biggest appeal is not only to follow the vaccination protocols but also to form committees of independent experts. These groups can assess public health needs free from political bias and ensure that the correct information and resources are being conveyed. This disaster highlights the acute need for coordinated and informed responses. It is crucial that the public relies on official health information channels, including the Ministry of Health, to keep updated and safe.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Moraga-Llop, for your invaluable insights today. It’s clear that vaccination plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our health, especially in the wake of disasters.
Dr. Moraga-Llop: Thank you for bringing attention to this essential topic. Together, we can navigate these challenging times more effectively.