At this school in Zaragoza, 28 children received the nasal vaccine in the psychomotor skills room, chosen specifically so the children would experience the moment in a familiar, play-associated environment. “The five-year-olds already know what it is; they know nothing bad is going to happen,” the school’s director, Mónica Carrera, explained. She said the experience of recent years can also be seen in the pupils’ calmness.
The campaign has also gained momentum compared with last year. Health Minister Ángel Sanz said participation had increased by 41.5% and stressed the importance of immunizing young children because “children are a gateway for infections to enter and spread within families.” The vaccination therefore aims to reduce not only cases among schoolchildren, but also transmission to older people and those with health problems.
“YOU DROP YOUR CHILD OFF AT SCHOOL AND PICK THEM UP VACCINATED”
One of the main attractions for families is precisely not having to travel to a healthcare center. Parents receive the information, give prior authorization for the vaccination through the health service, and healthcare professionals then travel to the school. Carrera summed up the convenience of the system with a phrase: “You drop your child off at school and pick them up vaccinated.”
Education, Science and Universities Minister Carmen Susín recalled that cooperation between the Education and Health departments began three years ago to bring the flu vaccine closer to young children. “The goal is to prevent them from getting sick, but also to prevent those around them from getting sick,” she said. Susín stressed that extending vaccination to more schools and families could particularly benefit those who live with older people, people with disabilities or individuals with conditions that could be worsened by flu.
The vaccination campaign began on September 28 with care homes and high-risk patients and has 445,000 doses this year, backed by an investment of 4.5 million euros. From November 19, it will continue at health centers for children aged 6 to 11, after Aragón extended the age range for childhood vaccination to 11, allowing around 40,000 more children to be included. Vaccination for people over 60 will begin on November 3. For now, flu levels remain low, at 16.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the latest available data.
