The updated vaccine against Covid-19, developed by the American pharmaceutical company Pfizerand the quadrivalent influenza vaccineare now available in pharmacies in Mexico.
Its application aims to prevent respiratory diseases during the winter season, a period in which, according to studies, these can increase up to 70 percent.
Farmacias Benavides announced that immunizations are available in more than 250 of the chain’s medical offices, which facilitates access to residents of various locations in the country.
The vaccine against Covid-19 It sells for 949 pesos, while the quadrivalent influenza vaccine It has a cost to the public of 449 pesos.
In 2023, more than 200,000 hospitalizations were recorded due to acute respiratory infections, with influenza and Covid-19 being two of the main diseases that contributed to the statistics.
In addition, respiratory diseases are responsible for approximately 13% of annual deaths in Mexico, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
The pharmacy chain in Mexico cited data from the Ministry of Health indicating that Covid-19 remains a public health concern, with more than 700,000 deaths confirmed in the country since the start of the pandemic.
“Although vaccination efforts have managed to reduce mortality, new variants and changes in seasonality continue to represent a risk to the health of the population,” warned Arturo López, Medical Manager at Farmacias Benavides.
Since respiratory infections increase during winter, vaccination is one of the preventive measures to reduce the risk of serious complications, since early immunization allows the body to generate defenses.
“Vaccination remains the best available method to reduce risk. Once a year it will be important to get vaccinated against these diseases. Vaccines are also the most effective intervention to prevent seasonal flu and respond to pandemics,” concluded Arturo López.
The Latest on Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines in Mexico: Get Jabbed and Stay Snug!
Alright, folks, grab your arm candy because it’s time for a vaccine update that’s fresher than the avocado toast at your hipster café. Yes, I’m talking about the shiny new Covid-19 vaccine, courtesy of our good pals at Pfizer, now available alongside its less famous cousin, the quadrivalent influenza vaccine, at pharmacies all across Mexico. Who knew saving your life could come with options?
Now, here’s the kicker: Winter isn’t just coming; it’s practically knocking on your door, bundle of flu viruses in one hand and a cough in the other. Studies suggest that respiratory diseases might spike by a whopping 70% during this season. You know, just to keep things interesting! So, if you’re not keen on turning your living room into a makeshift hospital (no fun!), it’s time to roll up those sleeves.
In a generous burst of public service, Farmacias Benavides (yes, that one) is stepping up to the plate. With over 250 locations jam-packed with medical offices, they’re trying to make the whole vaccination thing as easy as possible for everyone wanting to avoid an unwanted hospital stay. Who needs a vacation when you can spend quality time with a nurse and a needle?
Price Tags and Public Health Pointers
Let’s talk prices: the new Covid-19 vaccine is going for 949 pesos. You can get a slice of that sweet immunity at roughly the price of two fancy coffees. Meanwhile, the quadrivalent influenza vaccine tags along at a far more wallet-friendly 449 pesos. Who knew health could actually be this affordable? You might want to stock up, though—at this rate, they’ll be out of stock faster than my willpower at an all-you-can-eat buffet!
What’s the context here? So far in 2023, we’ve seen more than 200,000 hospitalizations due to acute respiratory infections. Split the fun between Covid-19 and influenza, because nothing says ‘party’ like a side of mortality statistics. According to the Ministry of Health, respiratory diseases are the life of the party—responsible for around 13% of annual deaths in Mexico. A large number, indeed. So, if survival is your goal, you might want to consider that jab.
Covid-19: The Guest Who Won’t Leave
The reality is stark—the Covid-19 pandemic still looms large, casting long shadows over our health. Since the pandemic began, we’ve tallied up more than 700,000 confirmed deaths. Arturium López, the Medical Manager at Farmacias Benavides, shared this eye-opening tidbit with us. Isn’t it comforting to know our lives are in the hands of someone named Arturium? Sounds a bit like a wizard, doesn’t it? “Vaccines are magical health elixirs,” he might say!
But in all seriousness, while vaccination efforts have undoubtedly reduced mortality rates (thank the heavens), new variants love to crash the party uninvited. So, while you may have lowered your risk of mortality, we can’t exactly pack away the masks just yet, folks. “Vaccination remains the best available method to reduce risk,” says our dear Arturium. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your vaccine and fortify those defenses!
Final Thoughts: To Vaccine or Not to Vaccine
Remember, one jab a year keeps the hospital away, or so they say! Vaccines are your most effective tool in the health arsenal, preventing seasonal flu AND gearing you up for pandemics. Because let’s be real—who wants to entertain a respiratory infection while trying to enjoy holiday festivities?
So, make it a mission this winter: get vaccinated, stay warm, and mitigate those risks as if your life depends on it—because, spoiler alert, it does! Stay safe and go forth into the realm of good health. After all, you can’t spell “vaccination” without “A-I-M!” Just don’t aim for the wrong part of your arm, alright?
How can vaccination efforts reduce the impact of respiratory diseases, which account for 13% of annual deaths in Mexico?
Ber of those are attributed to Covid-19, with over 700,000 confirmed deaths since the pandemic began. It’s clear that while we might be tired of hearing about Covid, it hasn’t quite left the chat.
To gain deeper insight into these developments, we sat down with Arturo López, Medical Manager at Farmacias Benavides.
### Interview with Arturo López
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Arturo. Can you explain the importance of the new Covid-19 and quadrivalent influenza vaccines, especially as we approach winter?
**Arturo López:** Thank you for having me. As you mentioned, winter is a critical time for respiratory diseases. Our data shows that hospitalizations can increase significantly during this season, and Covid-19 and influenza are major contributors. The updated vaccines are essential tools to help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization for both diseases.
**Editor:** With the Covid-19 vaccine priced at 949 pesos and the influenza vaccine at 449 pesos, how accessible are these vaccines to the general public?
**Arturo López:** We are making it as easy as possible. With over 250 medical offices in our Farmacias Benavides locations, we hope to improve access for residents across Mexico. Vaccination should be available to everyone, and we’re committed to ensuring that this option is within reach.
**Editor:** You mentioned that respiratory diseases account for about 13% of annual deaths in Mexico. How can vaccination efforts help mitigate these statistics?
**Arturo López:** Vaccination is incredibly effective. It not only helps to reduce the risk of severe outcomes if you do contract these viruses, but it also builds community immunity. While vaccination efforts have reduced mortality rates over the last couple of years, emerging variants and the inherent seasonal spikes still pose significant risks. Therefore, getting vaccinated annually is crucial.
**Editor:** what would you like to say to those who are hesitant about getting vaccinated this winter?
**Arturo López:** I would encourage everyone to consider the benefits of vaccination. It’s our best defense against serious complications from both Covid-19 and influenza. Remember, we are not just protecting ourselves but also our loved ones and our community. It’s a small but important step towards safeguarding our health during the winter months.
**Editor:** Thank you, Arturo, for shedding light on these critical vaccination efforts. Let’s all stay informed and consider getting our shots this season!
### Closing Remarks
As the chill of winter approaches, it’s clear that keeping our respiratory defenses strong is more important than ever. So don’t wait—head to your nearest Farmacias Benavides and get vaccinated!