The Minister of Health, Trinidad Jiménez, has announced that children up to the age of 14 years will be vaccinated against Influenza A.
Unlike the normal, or seasonal flu, which tends to affect the elderly more than any other group, Influenza A is more likely to affect children up to the age of 14 years. Other groups deemed more at risk include those already suffering from cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), renal failure and obesity.
Workers is essential services: medical, state security services, public transport etc, are another core area where the vaccine will be made available.
Spain is one of the first countries in the EU to receive the vaccine. For the time being, the vaccine will only be available through hospitals in order to prevent misuse or stockpiling. If the situation changes and the rate of infection becomes high, the vaccine may become available on prescription from chemists and dispensed in primary care centres.
The latest figure for the number of infected people in Spain is 1806, with 19 people currently in ICU in various hospitals throughout the country.