Great vaccination day and recommendations for the El Niño Phenomenon in Valle del Cauca

This Saturday, June 24: Vaccination Day in Valle del Cauca

Valle del Cauca is hosting a significant vaccination day this Saturday, June 24. The event will primarily focus on providing vaccines from the Expanded Immunization Plan (PAI) and against influenza.

Join the National Vaccination Day

Participate in the national vaccination day on Saturday, June 24th. All vaccines, including the #Influenza vaccine, will be available in all 40 municipalities of Valle del Cauca. Check the following publication to find out the prioritized population. pic.twitter.com/J73wIcMvAE

María Cristina Lesmes, the Secretary of Health in Valle del Cauca, emphasized the importance of this event. She stated, “We are organizing an intensification day for the vaccination of all individuals eligible for the Expanded Immunization Plan. We particularly recommend getting the influenza vaccine, which arrived in May with the strains for the year 2023 and provides coverage until March of the following year.”

About the Flu

Lesmes explained that accessing the influenza vaccine is crucial due to the population’s vulnerability to acute respiratory infections, especially among children and the elderly. However, she assured that the free doses will be available in all vaccination centers throughout the department, providing protection against these infections.

The invitation to the vaccination day is primarily extended to parents, encouraging them to complete their children’s vaccination schedules and prevent potential risks associated with various diseases.

During this event, which aligns with the ‘Great National Vaccination’ campaign, the following vaccinations are planned: 440 children under one year of age, 460 children over one year of age, 2,600 older adults, and 170 talented individuals will receive the influenza vaccine.

Keep these recommendations in mind before the arrival of the El Niño Phenomenon in the Valley

The Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development, Nasly Fernanda Vidales, urges the people of Valle del Cauca to conserve water. She emphasized, “Save water and avoid wastage. With the ongoing drought, water flow tends to decrease, which may affect many aqueducts.”

Vidales also highlights the importance of preventing forest fires by not leaving any residues in the green areas of the Valley. She encourages planting days to ensure water availability during the drought. She stated, “Each one of us needs to contribute with actions that help mitigate the consequences. Water is life, and it is everyone’s responsibility to guarantee its supply and consumption.”

Additionally, the District Public Health Secretariat, on the official website of the Mayor’s Office of Cali, provides measures that citizens should follow to reduce the risk of getting sick during this season.

According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), the El Niño Phenomenon is characterized by increased temperatures and decreased rainfall, particularly in the Pacific region. These climatic conditions increase the risk factors for diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, as they create favorable environments for the reproduction of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the disease vector.

The Mayor’s Office of Cali emphasizes that drought and decreased rainfall can lead people to store water in inadequate and uncovered containers, which become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

This article announces a significant vaccination day taking place in Valle del Cauca on Saturday, June 24. The event aims to provide vaccines from the Expanded Immunization Plan (PAI) as well as influenza vaccines. The Secretary of Health in Valle del Cauca, María Cristina Lesmes, emphasizes the importance of the event and encourages all eligible individuals to participate. Lesmes highlights the vulnerability of the population to acute respiratory infections, particularly among children and the elderly, and emphasizes the availability of free doses in all vaccination centers. The article also mentions that the vaccination day aligns with the ‘Great National Vaccination’ campaign and provides details on the number of vaccinations planned for various age groups. Additionally, a recommendation is given by the Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development to keep in mind the arrival of the El Niño Phenomenon in the Valley.

How will the upcoming El Niño Phenomenon impact public health efforts, such as vaccination campaigns, in Valle del Cauca and what steps are being taken to prepare for it

The upcoming El Niño Phenomenon can potentially impact public health efforts, including vaccination campaigns, in Valle del Cauca and other regions. El Niño is associated with changes in weather patterns, such as increased temperatures and reduced rainfall, which can create favorable conditions for the spread of certain diseases. Additionally, El Niño can lead to droughts and water scarcity, which can further exacerbate health challenges.

To prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño on public health efforts, several steps are being taken in Valle del Cauca:

1. Enhanced surveillance: The regional health authorities are strengthening surveillance systems to monitor disease outbreaks, especially those related to waterborne illnesses and vector-borne diseases.

2. Communication and awareness campaigns: Public health agencies are conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the potential health risks associated with El Niño. These campaigns emphasize preventive measures and the importance of vaccination.

3. Vaccination campaigns: Efforts are being made to ensure that vaccination campaigns are conducted effectively and efficiently to reach as many people as possible. This includes improving access to vaccines in vulnerable communities and ensuring an adequate supply of vaccines.

4. Water and sanitation measures: Given the potential water scarcity during El Niño, efforts are being made to ensure access to clean water and promote proper sanitation practices. This can help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

5. Strengthening healthcare systems: The healthcare infrastructure is being strengthened to handle potential increases in patient load due to El Niño-related health issues. This includes training healthcare workers, ensuring the availability of medical supplies, and expanding healthcare facilities if needed.

Overall, the focus is on proactive measures to mitigate the potential health impacts of El Niño and ensure that public health efforts, including vaccination campaigns, can continue effectively even in challenging conditions.