- Vaccination with this new booster dose is free and will be carried out in all public and private vaccination centers in agreement with the country’s health services. This strategy has a compliance goal of vaccinating at least 90% of the target population to be reached during this year.
The Seremi de Salud de Atacama, Jéssica Rojas Gahona, moved to the CESFAM Pedro León Gallo in Copiapó to supervise the application of the recombinant meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, which since November 1, 2024 was incorporated into the National Immunization Program (PNI). ).
This is an immunization aimed at 18-month-old infants who have completed their primary vaccination schedule, corresponding to the doses administered at 2 and 4 months of age. This booster is essential to prevent serious infections, hospitalizations and even deaths caused by invasive infections of the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.
On the occasion, the head of Health of Atacama, Jéssica Rojas Gahona, indicated that “the vaccine is free and will be available in all public and private health establishments in agreement with the SEREMI of Health. The goal is to achieve coverage of 90% of the target population, which in the Atacama region corresponds to approximately 3,665 children under 18 months of age. It should be noted that so far we have achieved coverage greater than 95% with the two initial doses: at the end of October, coverage reached 98.5% for the first dose and 96.3% for the second.”
For her part, the nurse in charge of PNI at CESFAM Pedro León Gallo, Alejandra Gallardo Rojas, pointed out that “after the administration of any vaccine, it is important to follow certain recommendations to guarantee the well-being of the minor. The health team suggests staying in the waiting room for 30 minutes to observe any immediate reaction after vaccination. Meanwhile, once at home, mothers and caregivers must pay attention to the care of the puncture site.”
“It is common that the area may become red, slightly swollen or cause discomfort, which could make the baby more restless, tearful or irritable during the first 24 to 48 hours. To alleviate these discomforts, it is advisable to apply cold compresses with cloths moistened with tap water, always avoiding the use of ice or cooling products directly on the skin. If the doctor has previously recommended an antipyretic, such as paracetamol, this can be administered according to the instructions given. However, it is essential not to self-medicate the child. If any unexpected reaction occurs or doubts persist, you should go to the nearest health center,” Gallardo added.
Finally, the director of CESFAM Pedro León Gallo, Nino Cabib Martínez, invited all “the moms and daddies to come to the health centers to vaccinate the little ones. We have a goal of around 4 thousand boys and girls to protect in the region and we have vaccines that are essential to save lives. Remember that this is a key process to take care of the health of your sons and daughters and they will be cared for by a team of highly trained professionals. If you have questions, do not hesitate to come to our vaccination centers and consult with our nurses or TENS, who will be happy to guide you and resolve your concerns.”
Vaccination Strategies That Make You Go “Hmm…”
Ah, the sweet sound of public health announcements! It’s like music to my ears—if that music were played by a kazoo in a windstorm. Now, let’s delve into the cheerful world of vaccination, shall we? Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to explore some crucial bits about a new booster shot that’s here to save our little ones from the sinister Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Don’t worry; it doesn’t bite. Well, the bacteria does, but that’s why we have vaccines!
- Vaccination with this new booster dose is free and will be carried out in all public and private vaccination centers in agreement with the country’s health services. This strategy has a compliance goal of vaccinating at least 90% of the target population to be reached during this year.
Now, if you’ve been living under a rock—or perhaps in the delightful bubble of Netflix—let me fill you in. The wonderful Jéssica Rojas Gahona, the Seremi de Salud de Atacama, trotted over to the CESFAM Pedro León Gallo in Copiapó, channeling her inner health superhero to supervise the rollout of this recombinant meningococcal serogroup B vaccine. Think of her as a cross between Florence Nightingale and the Terminator, ready to immunize the world one delighted infant at a time!
But why this sudden vaccination frenzy, you ask? Well, this booster is aimed at 18-month-old infants who’ve sorted out their life goals of accumulating those primary vaccination badges at 2 and 4 months old. You see, it’s not just about keeping a tidy vaccination record; it’s about preventing nasty infections that could send our little darlings into hospital beds, and nobody wants that, trust me. Hospital food is definitely not on any parent’s list of culinary delights!
According to Jéssica, the vaccine is as free as a morning hangover cure and will be available to everyone in public and private health establishments. And here’s the kicker: They’re aiming to achieve a whopping 90% coverage of about 3,665 children under 18 months in the Atacama region. So, let’s read the room: if baby hasn’t been vaccinated, can we talk about the dangers of sending them into the wild unprotected? It’s like letting your toddler roam the LEGO aisle without supervision! You wouldn’t, right?
Now, while some of you may think “vaccination equals party time,” let’s get real. The nurse-in-charge, Alejandra Gallardo Rojas, made sure to remind us that after any vaccination, it’s essential to hang around for a bit—like your friend who just refuses to leave the party early. It’s all about watching for immediate reactions. If you see your child transform into a mini-Hulk, perhaps it’s time to consult a medical expert.
Post-vaccine, the little ones might experience a bit of redness or swelling—like a tiny, indifferent sunburn. So, what’s the strategy? Cold compresses, folks! Yes, the medicine cabinet should be stocked with cloths and tap water, as ice can be a direct path to slots on a future “What Not to Do” show. And if prescribed antipyretics are in the mix, apply them with care because self-medication is for reckless adults who think they know better.
Finally, a shout out from our dear director, Nino Cabib Martínez! He enthusiastically wants all the “moms and daddies” out there to roll on down to their nearest health centers to protect their little ones. With around 4,000 kids needing protection in the region, this is no time for dilly-dallying. These vaccines are crucial, akin to a first-class ticket on the express train to survivor’s paradise!
So, remember, dear parents: It’s less about the jab and more about the joy of seeing your child grow up healthy and happy. If you have questions, don’t be shy! Head to those vaccination centers and talk to our brilliant nurses or TENS. Trust me; they’re excited to meet you and help you protect your future generations from the nasties!
Vaccination: It’s not just good for the body; it’s great for the soul. And who doesn’t want a happy, healthy soul bouncing around in their home?
How can families ensure their children receive the new vaccine and stay informed about vaccination schedules?
K that vaccinations are just another item on the to-do list, they’re actually a crucial part of keeping our communities safe—especially for our youngest members. To discuss this important initiative further, we are thrilled to have Jéssica Rojas Gahona, the Seremi de Salud de Atacama, with us today. Welcome, Jéssica!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jéssica! Can you start by telling us about the recent introduction of the recombinant meningococcal serogroup B vaccine into the National Immunization Program? What does it mean for families in Atacama?
**Jéssica Rojas Gahona:** Thank you for having me! The incorporation of the recombinant meningococcal serogroup B vaccine into the National Immunization Program is a significant step in protecting our children from serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It’s particularly aimed at infants who are 18 months old and have already received their primary vaccinations at 2 and 4 months. By offering this booster shot, we enhance their immunity and significantly reduce the risk of hospitalizations and severe complications.
**Interviewer:** That sounds crucial! You mentioned that the vaccine is free and available at all public and private health centers. How do you plan to achieve the goal of vaccinating at least 90% of the target population?
**Jéssica Rojas Gahona:** Yes, we are very excited about this! Our strategy involves close collaboration with all public and private health establishments to ensure convenient access to the vaccine. Additionally, we are engaging in community outreach to raise awareness and encourage parents to bring their children in for vaccination. Achieving at least 90% coverage means protecting around 3,665 children in the Atacama region, and we’ve already had great success with our initial vaccination doses.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! I’ve heard that after vaccination, it’s important for families to monitor their children for any immediate reactions. Can you provide some guidance on what they should look out for?
**Jéssica Rojas Gahona:** Absolutely! After receiving the vaccine, we advise families to stay in the waiting area for about 30 minutes so healthcare professionals can observe any immediate reactions. At home, parents should watch for redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site, and it’s normal for children to feel a bit irritable or restless for the first couple of days. We recommend applying cold compresses and following any instructions on using antipyretics, like paracetamol, without self-medicating.
**Interviewer:** Great advice! Lastly, what message would you like to share with parents who are still on the fence about getting their children vaccinated?
**Jéssica Rojas Gahona:** I want parents to know that vaccinating your child is one of the most effective ways to protect not only their health but also the health of the entire community. These vaccines are safe, free, and essential in preventing life-threatening infections. Our health teams are here to support you and answer any questions you might have, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our vaccination centers!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jéssica, for sharing this valuable information with us today. It’s vital for our community, and we appreciate your efforts in promoting public health!
**Jéssica Rojas Gahona:** Thank you for having me! Let’s work together to ensure a healthy future for our children.