The seasonal flu vaccination campaign will run from June 1 to September 30, 2020. To raise awareness among those concerned, a communication campaign has been launched by ARS La Runion and Assurance Maladie Runion, with the slogan: “La fr la la, la grip osi. Alon vaksin! “. The objective is to bring more particularly the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from a chronic disease, “to become aware that the flu can be serious and that the first gesture to protect oneself is vaccination.” emphasizes the ARS. whose press release we publish below (Photo illustration rb / www.ipreunion.com)
“In 2019, the flu vaccination campaign again showed the low adherence of the Runionnais: 52,785 eligible people vaccinated La Runion, out of 157,787 people concerned and vaccination coverage of just over 33% of eligible people: in slight drop compared to 2018, and very below the national average (around 50%).
For the past 2 years, we have observed that the flu epidemic started La Runion late, that is, the end of the southern winter (September) with a peak in late September.
The epidemic in 2019 was very intense:
– 7 dcs
– 60,000 consultations with general practitioners
– 102 people hospitalized, including 67 serious cases (+ 50% compared to 2018)
– 44 serious cases presented a risk factor. Vaccination coverage was largely insufficient for these 44 people since only 6 patients were vaccinated against influenza.
Some of these severe cases could have been prevented with vaccination. This observation unfortunately recalls that seasonal influenza is a public health priority at La Runion and requires a strong mobilization to promote vaccination.
Priority vaccination of fragile people
Vaccination against seasonal flu is particularly recommended for frail people (people aged 65 and over, people with chronic illness or severe obesity, pregnant women) in whom it can cause severe or even fatal forms. .
These people at risk must be vaccinated at the start of the campaign. Do not wait until the epidemic arrives to do so because it takes about 15 days between vaccination and the time when the body is protected against the flu.
Health professionals also invited to be vaccinated
All healthcare professionals, whether they practice in a establishment or in a liberal setting, are major players in vaccination and essential intermediaries with the populations concerned. They are the best people to inform patients about their vulnerability to influenza and the benefits of vaccination.
Like every year, healthcare professionals are invited to get vaccinated. The goal is to protect themselves but also to protect their patients, and to limit the spread of the flu in establishments and practices.
5 good reasons to get vaccinated
1- The flu can be dangerous (severe fever, pain, fatigue, risk of hospitalization, etc.). It can cause serious complications.
2- The vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself. The flu is a contagious and unpredictable disease. As a vaccine, you reduce the risk of getting the flu.
3- The vaccine decreases the severity of the flu.
4- The vaccine cannot transmit the flu. Its undesirable effects are most often without gravity.
5- The vaccine protects you and your family. It reduces the risk of transmission of the virus to your loved ones.
Influenza vaccine is the only way to prevent the disease and protect people at risk. Even if it does not always prevent the disease, the vaccine reduces the risk of serious complications or death. People can be vaccinated by their health professionals: doctor, midwife, nurse, or pharmacist.
In the current context of the epidemic, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) recommends maintaining the vaccination campaign against influenza and improving the coverage rates among people at risk and health professionals.
100% coverage of the vaccine for at-risk populations and healthcare professionals Vaccines have been available in pharmacies since early June 2020. A letter of invitation and coverage for vaccination is sent by Health Insurance to people concerned:
• all insured persons over 65,
• people with certain chronic diseases
• eligible primary healthcare professionals (general practitioners, pediatricians, gyncologists, midwives, pharmacists, dispensaries, nurses, physiotherapists, dentists and podiatrists).
These beneficiaries are currently receiving their invitation letters by post. Given the difficulty of targeting pregnant women, the family circle of at-risk infants, and people in a situation of obscurity, these people will not be recipients of the invitation letter from Health Insurance, and are invited to approach their treating doctor, midwife, nurse, or pharmacist who will provide them with the care form if their condition requires it “.
– .
