Panama Strengthens Vaccination Measures During Rainy Season

During the rainy season, it is crucial for the elderly to get vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcus, and tetanus. Similarly, the Social Security System (CSS) informs parents of children under one year about the importance of vaccinating against rotavirus and pneumococcus. For children under 5 years old, it is essential to have their complete vaccination schedule up to date and receive the pneumococcal booster. These vaccines are primarily aimed at the vulnerable population, i.e., children under 5 and adults over 60. In addition, children must receive the hepatitis A vaccine, which consists of a single dose; the varicella vaccine, which includes two doses; and from the age of 4 or 5, the tetravalent booster, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae, and influenza. For children under one year, the CSS highlights the need to apply the hexavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and influenza. The CSS reported that all vaccines contemplated in the vaccination schedule are administered at its Health Care, Promotion, and Prevention Centers (CAPPS), Local Primary Care Units (ULAPS), polyclinics, hospitals, nursing homes, as well as at Comprehensive Care Centers for Early Childhood (CAIPI). Therefore, health authorities are strongly emphasizing timely vaccination nationwide. It is also recommended to start the schedule with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Health authorities reiterated that disease prevention is fundamental to maintaining a healthy population and avoiding overloading the health system with preventable cases. The Expanded Program on Immunization (PAI) administered 692,259 vaccines between January and November of this year in all facilities of the Social Security Fund (CSS) nationwide.