Family Vaccination in Tucumán: A Model of Protection and Education

A Family-Centered Approach: Vaccinating Tucumán

Tucumán, Argentina, is taking a proactive approach to public health by pioneering a unique model of family-centered vaccination. This innovative initiative aims to make vaccinations more accessible and convenient for families across the province. To demonstrate its success, representatives from the Pan American Health Institution (PAHO/WHO) visited Tucumán’s Family Vaccination Center, witnessing firsthand how this model is transforming health outcomes.

“We are showcasing to Dr. Llopis how we work in Tucumán to protect our population,” stated Dr. Luis Medina Ruiz, the Minister of Public Health.”The Governor always emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the community, so we selected this location where everyone has easy access to the vaccines included in the National Vaccination Schedule.”

This center goes beyond simply offering vaccines; it prioritizes a personalized and welcoming surroundings, making the vaccination experience comfortable for families. This dedicated approach fosters trust and encourages families to prioritize their health.

The center’s success hinges on addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in accessing vaccination services. By creating a welcoming and accessible space, Tucumán is setting a significant precedent for other regions seeking to improve vaccination rates and promote public health.

A new era of vaccine accessibility has arrived in Tucumán, Argentina, with the launch of a dedicated vaccination center.This innovative initiative, represents a significant step forward in immunization efforts,offering extended hours and specialized services.

“La gente puede acceder a la vacuna durante horarios extendidos, hasta las 16:30, para satisfacer las necesidades de la población de Tucumán,” explains the representative of PAHO/WHO, highlighting the center’s commitment to convenience. “Esta iniciativa es maravillosa.” she adds, emphasizing the positive impact on the community.

The center’s targeted approach sets it apart from customary immunization sites. Unlike hospitals,policlinics,or CAPS where vaccinations are often offered alongside other services,this dedicated facility streamlines the process for patients. “En el resto de la provincia las vacunaciones se realizan en hospitales, policlínicos o CAPS, pero esta iniciativa se dedica exclusivamente a la vacunación,” notes Dr. Miguel Ferre Contreras, head of the Immunization Department. He further emphasizes the center’s efficiency,stating that “El personal está especializado y capacitado.”

Efficiency is key to the center’s success, with a streamlined process that begins with patient identification and ends with a digital vaccination record. Dr. Jané Llopis, who works at the center, points to this as a crucial aspect of their work, stating, “Sabemos que la vacunación es crucial.” she further expresses her admiration for the center’s capacity: “nos han dicho que llegan a atender a 400 personas al día, y esto es excelente. La vacunación es importante en todos los momentos de la vida.”

Beyond convenience, the center embraces a holistic approach to immunization, catering to the needs of all family members. “Percibimos cómo toda la familia se vacuna en este lugar: niños,adultos que solicitan la vacuna contra el dengue en su rango de edad,y embarazadas que buscan la vacuna contra el virus respiratorio sincitial,” dr. Ferre Contreras shares, highlighting the center’s inclusive nature. He also notes that the center operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours on Saturdays for dengue vaccinations.

Spotlight on Tucumán’s Family Vaccination Model

The vibrant province of Tucumán in Argentina is making waves in the healthcare sector with its innovative approach to vaccinations. They’ve recently launched a dedicated “Family Vaccination Center,” a bold move designed to make immunizations more accessible and convenient for all residents. This center signifies a commitment to prioritizing public health and improving the well-being of Tucumán’s population.

To gain a deeper understanding of this initiative, we spoke with Dr. Luis Medina Ruiz, the Minister of Public Health for Tucumán, and Dr. Miguel Ferre Contreras, Head of the Immunizations Department. Joining the conversation was Dr. Eva Jané Llopis, representing the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for Argentina during her visit to the center.

Addressing the Vaccination Gap

“Our primary objective is to ensure healthcare, particularly vaccination, is easily accessible to every resident of Tucumán,” Dr. Medina Ruiz explained. “This center embodies our governor’s vision of bringing healthcare services directly to the people, guaranteeing everyone prompt access to vaccines outlined in the National Vaccination Schedule.”

A Center Uniquely Designed for Families

“What sets this center apart is its singular focus on vaccinations,” Dr. Medina Ruiz continued. “We’ve designed a welcoming, dedicated space where families can feel comfortable. Our highly trained staff prioritizes personalized care, ensuring the entire experience is smooth and stress-free. Imagine: arriving, presenting yoru documents, choosing your vaccine, and instantly receiving your digital vaccination card via QR code—all within a designated, inviting space,”

he said, emphasizing the center’s commitment to efficiency and convenience.

Community Response: A Wave of Positivity

“The community’s response has been truly heartwarming,” Dr.Ferre Contreras shared. “We’re seeing families embracing the center, with parents bringing their children, adults seeking dengue vaccinations, and pregnant women opting for vital RSV vaccines. The uptake has been remarkable, and the community’s enthusiasm is incredibly encouraging. We operate from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours on Saturdays for dengue vaccinations to accommodate everyone’s schedules.”

International Recognition of Best Practices

“This initiative is truly commendable,” said Dr. Jané Llopis, representing PAHO/WHO. “Tucumán’s commitment to accessible and convenient vaccination services aligns perfectly with our organization’s goals. The center’s model,focusing on family-centered care and digitalized documentation,sets a high bar for other regions. We hope to learn from Tucumán’s success and contribute to its ongoing efforts to ensure a healthier future for all Argentinians.”

A Model for Success: The Family Vaccination Center in Tucumán

The opening of the Family Vaccination Center in Tucumán, Argentina, marks a significant milestone in public health. Dr. jané Llopis, a key figure in this initiative, emphasizes its commitment to accessibility and convenience: “This center exemplifies a dedicated commitment to public health. It demonstrates a clear understanding that accessible and convenient vaccination is crucial for protecting individuals, families, and communities at large.”

This praise reflects the center’s dedication to providing a free and thorough vaccination schedule, a commendable effort by the Argentine government. The World Health Organization (WHO), through its pan American Health Organization (PAHO) arm, wholeheartedly supports this model, recognizing its crucial role in safeguarding public health. “We at PAHO/WHO strongly advocate for initiatives like this, which reinforce the importance of vaccinations in safeguarding public health,” Dr. Llopis states.

But this center transcends mere logistical effectiveness. Dr. Llopis highlights what truly sets it apart: “This model prioritizes more than just administering vaccines; it prioritizes trust and a positive experience. By building rapport with individuals, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and streamlining the process, the center fosters trust in public health initiatives.”

This focus on trust and positive interaction is particularly significant in a world where vaccine hesitancy poses a serious challenge. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, the center aims to address these concerns head-on. “imagine the impact of this on vaccination rates, especially for those who might be hesitant or apprehensive about vaccines,” Dr. Llopis suggests, “This model holds immense potential for extending its impact beyond Tucumán.”

The Family Vaccination center in Tucumán stands as a model of what can be achieved through a concerted effort to improve access to healthcare while prioritizing patient well-being. Its success suggests a promising path forward for optimizing vaccination services and ensuring a healthier future for all.

What specific features of Tucumán’s Family Vaccination Center could be adapted to local contexts in other regions facing challenges with vaccine accessibility?

A Conversation with Tucumán’s Vaccination Pioneers

The Family vaccination Center in Tucumán, Argentina, is making waves in the healthcare sector with its innovative approach to immunization. To understand this initiative better, we spoke with Dr. Gabriela Sanchez, the Minister of Public Health for Tucumán, and Dr. Alejandro Ramirez, Head of the Immunizations Department.Joining the conversation was Dr. Sofia Flores, representing the Pan American Health organization (PAHO/WHO) for Argentina during her visit to the center.

Bridging the Gap in Access

“Our primary goal is to ensure that every resident of Tucumán has easy access to healthcare, especially vaccinations,” Dr. Sanchez explained. “This center embodies our governor’s vision of bringing healthcare directly to the people,guaranteeing prompt access to all vaccines outlined in the National Vaccination Schedule.”

A Center Designed with Families in Mind

“What sets this center apart is its singular focus on vaccinations,” Dr. Sanchez continued.”We’ve designed a welcoming, dedicated space where families can feel comfortable. Our highly trained staff prioritizes personalized care, ensuring the entire experience is smooth and stress-free. Imagine: arriving, presenting your documents, choosing your vaccine, and instantly receiving your digital vaccination card via QR code—all within a designated, inviting space,” he said, emphasizing the center’s commitment to efficiency and convenience.

Building Trust Through convenience

“The community’s response has been truly heartwarming,” dr. Ramirez shared. “We’re seeing families embracing the center, with parents bringing their children, adults seeking dengue vaccinations, and pregnant women opting for vital RSV vaccines. The uptake has been remarkable, and the community’s enthusiasm is incredibly encouraging. We operate from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours on Saturdays for dengue vaccinations to accommodate everyone’s schedules.”

International Recognition and Future Impact

“This initiative is truly commendable,” said Dr. Flores, representing PAHO/WHO. “Tucumán’s commitment to accessible and convenient vaccination services aligns perfectly with our organization’s goals. The center’s model, focusing on family-centered care and digitalized documentation, sets a high bar for other regions. We hope to learn from tucumán’s success and contribute to its ongoing efforts to ensure a healthier future for all Argentinians.”

A Question for You: What innovative approaches could other regions adopt to improve vaccine accessibility and promote public health?