Faced with the low demand for the flu vaccine by priority groups, the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul opened immunization to the general population. From this Monday (6), all people over six months of age can go to the health units in their cities to get the vaccine. The immunizing agent offered by the Unified Health System (SUS) protects against three strains of the influenza virus: A H1N1 and A H3N2 and B.
The national campaign started in April for priority groups. The state received 5.1 million doses, however, there was only application of about 1.9 million, according to data from the State Department of Health (SES). Vaccination coverage among priority groups (children, health workers, pregnant women, postpartum women, indigenous people, the elderly and teachers) is still below 50% – the target was 90%.
The deputy director of Health Surveillance (DVS), an agency of the Municipal Health Department of Porto Alegre, Benjamin Roitman, highlights that the flu vaccine can be applied concomitantly with other immunizers in most people. That is, flu and covid-19 vaccines can be made on the same day.
Only children of age to receive the covid-19 vaccine (between 5 and 11 years old) must respect the minimum interval of 15 days between doses of the two vaccines. Anyone who has had covid-19 must wait 28 days from the onset of symptoms or from the collection of the covid-19 test to receive the flu immunizer.
Cities announce vaccination
In Porto Alegre, 124 health units will have the vaccine available (check the locations in this link). In addition, a mobile unit will be, from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, at Largo Glenio Peres, in the Historic Center. With the measure, the city intends to expand protection against influenza for the population before the arrival of winter.
In the city of Pelotas, there are more than 40 vaccination points spread throughout the city. Some units are open from Monday to Friday (check locations and times at this link). There are also appointments on Saturdays at Casa da Vacina (rue General Neto, 1707 – from 10 am to 3 pm) and at Trailer da Vacina at Fenadoce (av. Pinheiro Machado, 3390).
In Canoas, doses will be available in all health units, from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, with distribution of passwords until 4:45 pm. In this link the city hall informs the addresses of the health units.
Novo Hamburgo also informs that all health units are applying the flu vaccine. Hours vary depending on the operation of the units (check locations and times at this link).
The city hall of Caxias do Sul informs that the health units Cinquentenário, Cruzeiro, Desvio Rizzo, Eldorado, Esplanada, Reolon and Vila Ipê will be applying the flu vaccines between 8 am and 7 pm. The other units in the municipality are open between 8 am and 4 pm.
Look for the city hall of your municipality to confirm the places and times for the application of the flu vaccine.
Source: BdF Rio Grande do Sul
Editing: Marcelo Ferreira
