Joshua Parfitt
MORE than 1,700 health centres have today begun a Valencian Community-wide campaign urging the elderly to get their flu jabs.
The Department of Health has prepared 800,000 vaccines – 50,000 more than last year – to protect against seasonal viruses.
From the 800,000, a total of 500,000 jabs are for the general population, with 300,000 reserved for over-64s and which provide a ‘higher level of protection’.
José Antonio Lluch, head of the Health Promotion Service of the health department, said the aim this year was to reach 65% of over 64s in the Community.
Last year, only 52% were vaccinated.
Lluch stressed that viruses claimed 188 lives last year, with 1,000 severe cases of fever.
The department will also send 80,000 text messages to persons vaccinated last year.
For more information, please contact your local health department.
