Wide immunization campaign in Matanzas this month.

Since 1962 Cuba implemented its National Immunization Program with countless vaccines that protect the population from various diseases.

Since 1962 Cuba has implemented its National Immunization Program with countless vaccines that protect the population from various diseases.

Currently, the Cuban health system is immersed in the pediatric and adult flu vaccination campaign. Berta María Bello Rodríguez, deputy director of the Provincial Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology, expands.

«The adult anti-flu vaccination campaign started on August 19th, that is to say, anti-influenza because it protects against what we call the seasonal flu, that is to say, this winter flu, and that is why it is done every year. This adult anti-flu goes to specific groups, since there is no availability for one hundred percent of the adult population: immunization is given to those over 85 years of age, grandparents in nursing homes, grandparents’ homes, health workers, pregnant women and so there are different groups to whom the vaccine is directed.

«We have anti-lectospirosis vaccination for risk groups that are more exposed to the disease, a vaccine that is currently being given.»

This September, immunization against pneumococcus also began in the country. Dr. Bello Rodriguez talked about the subject.

«Pneumococcus is a bacterium that today is the one most commonly isolated in infectious neurological syndromes, that is to say, in meningoencephalitis; in the 80s and 90s vaccination began with the anti-meningococcal vaccine, then came the hemophilus vaccine, which is another causal agent of meningoencephalitis, which today is included in the pentavalent vaccine and now the pneumocil is going to be introduced, which is what it is called commercially».

Initially, the pneumocil dose will be given to those born this year.

Written by Melissa Guerra.