Combating Respiratory Illness: A Proactive Approach

In response to a recent health alert issued by the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), a complete 2025 influenza vaccination campaign is underway. This initiative seeks to proactively reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses across the nation, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Vaccination on the Go: Mobile Units Deployed Across Santiago Metro

To enhance accessibility and convenience, MINSAL has established 13 mobile vaccination units strategically located within the Santiago Metro system.These stations are designed to provide easy access to free influenza vaccines for individuals within designated risk groups.

Metro vaccination Sites: Locations and Schedules

The following Santiago Metro stations are currently hosting mobile vaccination units. Please note the specific days and times of operation:

• Maipú Square: Monday to Friday,9:30 AM to 2:00 PM,until April 7.
• Saint Paul: Monday to friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, until April 30.
• University of Santiago: Monday to Friday,9:00 AM to 4:00 PM,throughout March and April.
• Railways: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, throughout March and April.
• Central station: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, between March and April.
• Intermodal La cisterna: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, during march, April, and May.
• Lo Martínez Cup: Monday, Wednesday, and friday from…

Why Vaccination Matters: Protecting At-Risk Populations

Influenza poses a notable threat, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing infection and minimizing the severity of symptoms.

Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting yoru community.

Dr. Isabella Rossi, Public Health Expert

According to recent data from the World Health Institution (WHO), influenza vaccination can reduce the risk of illness by 40% to 60%. Moreover, it can substantially decrease the likelihood of hospitalization and other serious complications.

Looking Ahead: Continued Efforts to Combat Respiratory Illnesses

The Ministry of Health is committed to ongoing efforts to monitor and address the spread of respiratory viruses.This includes continued vaccination campaigns,public awareness initiatives,and collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Combating the Flu: A Nationwide initiative

As seasonal influenza poses a recurring threat to public health, Chile has initiated a comprehensive vaccination campaign aimed at mitigating it’s impact. This widespread effort focuses on providing free vaccinations to vulnerable populations,ensuring broad protection against the virus.

Vaccination Locations and Schedules

To facilitate widespread access, numerous vaccination points have been established across the country. These locations operate on varying schedules to accommodate different community needs. Here’s a detailed look at the operational hours for key vaccination sites:

• Community Center: Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. during March, April, and May.
• The Forest location: Accessible Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. between March and May.
• Trinidad Site: Operating Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., concluding on April 3rd.
• San Ramón Center: Available Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during March, April, and May.
• Santa Rosa Center: Open Monday to Wednesday,10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during March, April, and May.
• The Bars Location: Accessible Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting April 1st.
• Observatory Point: Operating Monday to Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. between March, April, and May.

Who Qualifies for Free Vaccination?

The Chilean government has prioritized specific groups for free influenza vaccination, based on their increased risk of complications from the virus. These groups include:

• Public and private healthcare workers.
• Pregnant individuals at any stage of pregnancy.
• Children aged 6 months up to those in the fifth grade.
• Family members of premature infants born before 37 weeks.
• Family members of immunosuppressed infants under 6 months.
• Education professionals working in preschools and schools up to the eighth grade.
• Adults aged 60 and older.
• Caregivers of older adults and staff at long-term care facilities (ELEAM).
• Workers in the poultry, livestock, and swine industries.
• Individuals aged 11 to 59 with chronic conditions, including:
  • Chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Neurological disorders affecting swallowing or respiratory secretion management, and treatment-resistant epilepsy.
  • Congenital, rheumatic, or ischemic heart diseases, and cardiomyopathies.
  • Chronic kidney disease, including stage 4 or higher renal failure and dialysis patients.
  • Chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.
  • Metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus and congenital metabolic diseases.
  • Arterial hypertension under pharmacological treatment.
  • Obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
  • Severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • autoimmune diseases including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
  • Cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or palliative care.
  • Congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies.

The Importance of Vaccination: A Public Health Perspective

Influenza vaccination remains a cornerstone of preventative healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes. Widespread vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of the virus within the community.

Vaccination is a critical tool for protecting vulnerable populations and reducing the burden of influenza on healthcare systems.
World Health Organization