Only 51% of people over 70 years of age have been vaccinated against the flu in Catalonia

Flu Season Brings Concerns as Experts Stress Vaccination Importance

Health officials are urging the public to get their flu shots this year as concerns rise about a potential surge in cases.The warnings come after a relatively calm flu season last year, which experts say doesn’t necessarily signal a mild season ahead.

Despite the “tranquil” 2022-2023 flu season, experts caution against complacency. The ongoing spread of avian influenza, or bird flu, adds another layer of worry. While the risk of widespread human-to-human transmission remains low, the possibility of mutations increases the concern for a flu pandemic.

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Flu Season Outlook: Reasons for Hope and Concern

Health officials are offering a cautiously optimistic outlook for the upcoming flu season.They emphasize that this year’s vaccine offers “reasonable protection” against the currently circulating strains of influenza A and B. However, there’s a growing concern over a trend of declining vaccination rates, especially among older adults. while the vaccine is expected to be effective, experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated to minimize the risk of infection and potential complications.

Flu Shot Effectiveness and Vaccination Rates

Reassuring news for those worried about flu season: medical experts confirm the current vaccine provides strong protection against the most prevalent strains circulating this year.However, there’s a catch: vaccination rates, notably among senior citizens, have been on a decline since 2021. “The vaccine offers good coverage against the dominant strains,” says Dr. Antoni Trilla, head of Preventive Medicine at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. “Though,we need to see improvements in vaccination rates,especially among our older population.” The dip in vaccination rates among seniors raises concerns given their increased vulnerability to serious complications from the flu. Public health officials are urging seniors to get their flu shots to protect themselves and those around them.

“Los médicos insisten en que la‌ tasa vacunal es ‍mejorable: desde 2021 hay un “descenso” en personas de edad ⁢avanzada”

Vaccination Rates Lag in Older Adults

Despite widespread efforts to promote vaccination,a significant gap exists in immunization rates among older adults.Recent data shows that only a fraction of individuals aged 80 and older have received crucial vaccinations. Shockingly, only 55% of those over 80 have been vaccinated against COVID-19, while a slightly higher percentage, 65%, have received flu shots. These trends continue in the 70-79 age group, with 40% vaccinated against COVID-19 and 51% vaccinated against influenza.

The Flu and COVID-19: Are We Becoming Complacent?

Concerns are mounting within the medical community regarding a potential “banalization” of the flu and COVID-19, according to Joan caylà, a member of the Spanish Society of epidemiology. Caylà stresses the crucial need for healthcare providers to take a proactive approach, encouraging vaccination for unvaccinated individuals who visit their clinics.He emphasizes that despite the familiarity of these viruses, their potential for serious illness must not be overlooked. “Joan Caylà, a member of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, expresses concern about a potential ‘banalization’ of the impact of flu and COVID-19 outbreaks.He emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be proactive in offering vaccinations to unvaccinated patients visiting their clinics, reminding everyone of the potential severity of these illnesses.” While pandemic fatigue is understandable, the ongoing threat posed by these viruses underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preventative measures.

Flu Vaccine Provides “Reasonable Protection” This Season

health officials are reporting that this year’s flu vaccine is offering a good level of protection against the strains of flu currently circulating. Even though the influenza virus changes slightly every year, making it a moving target for vaccine development, experts are pleased with how well this year’s vaccine aligns with the prevalent strains. “This year’s flu vaccine is providing ‘reasonable protection’ against circulating viruses,” according to health officials.

Protect yourself: Vaccination Still Vital Amidst Dual Health Threats

As flu cases continue to climb and the threat of a COVID-19 surge looms, health experts are urging the public to get vaccinated. Dr. Trilla emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “As the flu epidemic is still on the rise and the COVID-19 wave hasn’t even begun, we still have time to vaccinate everyone who wants to be immunized and prevent hospitalizations.” While many individuals may feel a sense of pandemic fatigue, doctors stress that it’s not too late to protect ourselves and our communities. Vaccination remains a powerful tool in our arsenal against these preventable illnesses. By getting vaccinated, we can substantially reduce our risk of serious complications and help curb the spread of these viruses.

Easier Than Ever: Get Your Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines at Walk-in Clinics

Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 just got easier. Convenient new walk-in clinics have opened, making it simpler than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Easier Than Ever: Get Your Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at Walk-in Clinics

Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 just got easier. Convenient new walk-in clinics have opened, making it simpler than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones.
## Interview: Flu Season Cautions and Vaccination Importance



**Joan Caylà,** a member of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, joins us today to discuss the upcoming flu season and the importance of vaccination. Welcome, Joan.



**Joan Caylà:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde:** Let’s start with the outlook for the flu season.Health authorities are expressing cautious optimism,citing a well-matched vaccine and “reasonable protection.” Can you elaborate on this?



**Joan Caylà:** That’s correct. the good news is that this year’s flu vaccine is expected to offer good protection against the dominant circulating strains. However, we need to remember that flu viruses can mutate, so it’s essential to stay vigilant.



**Archyde:** We have seen a concerning trend of declining vaccination rates, especially among older adults. What are the potential consequences of this?



**Joan Caylà:** This is a serious concern. Older adults are more vulnerable to complications from the flu, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. The decline in vaccination rates in this age group is notably worrying. We need stronger efforts to promote vaccination among seniors.



**Archyde:** Are there concerns that people are becoming complacent about the flu and COVID-19 as these viruses have become more familiar?



**Joan caylà:** Absolutely. There is a risk of “banalization,” where people underestimate the potential severity of these viruses. It’s crucial for healthcare providers to be proactive, encouraging vaccination for unvaccinated individuals who visit their clinics. We must emphasize that despite familiarity, these viruses can still cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.



**Archyde:** What message would you like to send to our readers regarding flu vaccination this year?



**Joan Caylà:** It’s simple: Get vaccinated! Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the flu.





**Archyde:** Thank you for your insights, Joan. Your message is certainly an vital one for everyone to hear.



**[End Interview]**