Panama Launches Enterprising Vaccination campaign: aims to Protect Vulnerable Populations Against Preventable Diseases
Published: April 23, 2024
National Vaccination Week Kicks Off wiht Focus on Measles Prevention and New Vaccine introductions
Panama’s ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Social Security Fund and the Pan American Health Association (PAHO), has announced the launch of Vaccination Week in the americas (SVA) and World Immunization Week (WIW).This year’s initiative, running from April 23rd to 30th, is themed “Your decision makes a difference,” underscoring the importance of individual participation in community health.
minister of Health Fernando Boyd Galindo emphasized the extensive reach of the campaign: “We will vaccinate throughout the country, from border to border.” This commitment involves mobilizing nursing staff, outreach programs, and interaction strategies to ensure comprehensive coverage across Panama.
We will vaccinate throughout the country, from border to border.Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health
The campaign aims to protect a wide range of individuals, including infants under one year old, children aged one to four, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and older adults. Special attention will also be given to populations with disabilities, indigenous communities, migrants, and anyone seeking protection from preventable diseases.
Measles Concerns Prompt Extended Vaccination Efforts in Key Regions
In response to ongoing concerns about measles outbreaks, the health regions of San Miguelito, colón, Panama Metro, Este, and West will extend vaccination efforts for an additional two weeks. This extended campaign aims to considerably increase measles vaccination coverage in thes densely populated areas.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, remains a threat in many parts of the world, including the Americas.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles outbreaks can occur in the U.S. when the virus is brought in by unvaccinated travelers. Ensuring high vaccination rates is crucial to preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
The CDC recommends that all children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should also consider getting vaccinated.
PAHO Emphasizes Importance of Vaccination as a Strategy for Disease Elimination
Ana Rivière Cinnamond, representative of the Pan American Health Organization in Panama, highlighted the critical role of vaccination in disease elimination. This vaccination becomes more relevant for being a strategy promoted by OPS for the elimination of diseases, and that Panama has assumed with the aim of achieving greater health, well -being and quality of life for residents in our country.
PAHO has been instrumental in supporting vaccination efforts across the Americas, contributing to the eradication of diseases like polio and the control of measles and rubella.The organization continues to work with member countries to strengthen immunization programs and address emerging health challenges.
Introduction of Advanced Vaccines to Enhance Protection
A key component of this year’s campaign is the introduction of new and improved vaccines. Itzel de Hewitt, general coordinator of the Expanded Immunization program, announced the transition from the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine to the 20-valent version, and from the quadrivalent HPV vaccine to the nonavalent vaccine.
These upgrades offer broader protection against pneumococcal disease and HPV-related cancers. The 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine provides coverage against 20 strains of the bacteria that cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. The nonavalent HPV vaccine protects against nine HPV types, which are responsible for the majority of cervical, anal, and other cancers.
For U.S.readers, this highlights the constant evolution of vaccine technology and the importance of staying informed about recommended immunizations. The CDC provides detailed information on vaccine schedules and recommendations for all age groups.
Public-Private Partnerships strengthen Vaccination Efforts
The Ministry of Health is collaborating with private hospitals to offer free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to their users. additionally, the Latin University of panama will host vaccination sites at its Dead Tomb campus, providing access to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the general public.
This collaboration exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in promoting public health. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both sectors, Panama is able to reach a wider audience and ensure that more people have access to life-saving vaccines.
In the U.S., similar partnerships exist between government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to promote vaccination and address health disparities.These collaborations are essential for achieving national immunization goals and protecting the health of all Americans.
Vaccine Schedule and Details
Below is a summary of the key vaccines being administered during the campaign:
| Vaccine | Target Group | Purpose | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Children (especially in San Miguelito, Colón, Panama Metro, Este, and West) | prevention of measles outbreaks | Two-dose series recommended |
| Pneumococcal (20-valent) | Children, older adults, and individuals at high risk | Prevention of pneumococcal diseases (pneumonia, meningitis) | Replaces the 13-valent version |
| HPV (Nonavalent) | Girls and boys | Prevention of HPV-related cancers | Replaces the quadrivalent version |
| Influenza | All users of participating private hospitals, general public at Latin University of Panama | Prevention of seasonal influenza | Annual vaccination recommended |
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Panama’s Vaccination Drive: An Interview with Dr. Elena Silva, immunization Specialist
Published: April 23, 2024
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr.Silva. Panama is currently in the midst of a notable vaccination campaign. Could you explain the primary goals of this initiative?
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me. The main goal of this vaccination drive is to protect our vulnerable populations from preventable diseases. We are focusing on a complete approach,targeting infants,children,pregnant women,healthcare workers,and older adults,extending our reach to communities with disabilities,indigenous populations,and everyone seeking protection. Our aim is, vrey simply, to achieve greater health and well-being for the people of Panama.
Focus on Measles and Expanded Coverage
Archyde News: The article highlights concerns about measles outbreaks, notably in certain regions. Can you elaborate on the extended vaccination efforts in areas such as San Miguelito and Colón?
Dr. Silva: absolutely. We recognize the ongoing threat of measles, which is highly contagious, and we are strategically extending our vaccination efforts in high-density areas like San Miguelito, Colón, Panama metro, Este, and West. We’re striving to increase the measles vaccination coverage considerably to mitigate outbreaks. Our goal is to ensure that the two-dose MMR series is administered to at-risk individuals, especially children.
New Vaccines & Advancements in Immunization
archyde News: The campaign also introduces new vaccines. What are the benefits of the 20-valent pneumococcal and nonavalent HPV vaccines?
Dr. Silva: This is a very significant element of our campaign. The move to the 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine offers broader protection against various strains of bacteria causing pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. Similarly, the nonavalent HPV vaccine considerably expands protection against HPV-related cancers. Both upgrades represent significant progress in vaccine technology, helping to protect individuals, children, and adults, from serious health threats.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Archyde News: The article mentions collaborations with private hospitals and the Latin University. How crucial are these public-private partnerships in the success of this initiative?
Dr. Silva: Public-private partnerships are absolutely essential. By working with private hospitals to provide free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and hosting vaccination sites, like the one at the Latin University, we maximize access to vaccines. These are crucial for reaching a wider audience and ensuring that more people, including students, residents and members of the general public, can benefit.
Community Engagement & Program Success
Archyde News: What message would you like to deliver to the community regarding the importance of this vaccination week and the initiative’s themes of “Your decision makes a difference?”
Dr.Silva: Vaccination is the most effective way to protect ourselves and our community from preventable diseases.Measles being such a great concern makes vaccination extremely relevant for our community at large. Every individual’s decision to get vaccinated,and encourage their families to be vaccinated,makes a difference in protecting public health and contributing to the elimination of diseases in Panama. this is a combined effort, of our society, our medical system, and our world, and we hope to make a significant impact here.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Silva,for your insights. This details is invaluable for helping people stay informed about the new and existing vaccines this initiative offers.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for the opportunity to share it.
Archyde News: Readers, what are your thoughts on Panama’s vaccination efforts and the role of individual participation? Share your comments below!
