The countdown to the start of winter begins and Coquimbo is the second region in the country where the fewest infants have been protected against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This, despite the fact that Chile has a pioneering strategy in Latin America that allows it to protect those born from October 1, 2023 onwards, and that begins to protect infants from the moment it is administered.
“As of June 11, the percentage of immunized infants in the Coquimbo Region has been 74.13%, which is much lower than the national average, which is 83.2%, according to the same date. . It is for this reason that we call on all fathers and mothers in the region to go to their nearest vaccination center as soon as possible to immunize their son or daughter, since the circulation of this virus has begun to increase and the funny thing is that “This medication reduces hospitalization rates by 80% to 90%,” said Dr. Carolina Méndez, Pediatric Coordinator of the Ministry of Health.
For his part, Edward Navarro, kinesiologist in charge of the Winter Campaign of the Coquimbo Health Service, reported that “for there to be adequate coverage, the minimum is 85% immunization of the target population. Currently, as a region we are 10% below the national immunization rate and we are the second region with the highest risk of our infants getting sick. The commune that worries us the most is Coquimbo, which has 64%, followed by La Higuera, Combarbalá, Vicuña, Ovalle and Monte Patria. For this reason, we insist that you go to your nearest CESFAM to protect yourself from the disease, which caused havoc last year.”
BUT WHAT IS NIRSEVIMAB? Dr. Méndez explained that “it is an antibody against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus that blocks the entry of this virus into the cells it infects and achieves a rapid and direct response against severe RSV disease.” This medicine is effective and safe and has international approval and recommendation, being administered with great success in developed countries.
AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOURSELF? Dr. Marcela Andrade, head pediatrician of Open Care at the Ovalle Hospital, elaborated on the matter, pointing out that “this virus causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children, which can lead to infants becoming more serious and requiring hospitalization, even in a nursing home. critically ill, or with mechanical ventilation, generating, of course, great concern for his entire family. So, it is very important for parents to understand that Nirsevimab protects from day 1, because I am giving the child the ready defense.”
WHERE SHOULD I GO TO ACCESS NIRSEVIMAB?
Children can access this medicine in all public health centers in the Coquimbo Region. To do this, it is not necessary to request an appointment, you just have to go to your nearest vaccination center, which you can find on the social networks @ssaludcoquimbo. Additionally, if you have any questions, you can contact Salud Responde by calling 600 360 7777.
On the other hand, in hospitals, newborns are being immunized in maternity wards and neonatal units.
WHAT OTHER MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PREVENT THE VIRUS?
According to Dr. Mendez, “it is also very important to follow all the general recommendations that help prevent all respiratory infections, such as frequent hand washing, not visiting others if you have a respiratory condition, ventilating closed spaces, wearing a mask on public transport or if you are sick and constantly cleaning surfaces at home can stay there for hours.”
Not kissing infants and regularly washing toys, clothing, supplies and bedding are also important measures to prevent this virus.
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