City Hall says that flu is the disease that kills the most in Rio | Rio de Janeiro

Flu vaccination. Osnei Restio / Nova Odessa City Hall

Amid a rise in the number of cases, the city of Rio has already recorded 18 deaths caused by influenza. According to City Hall, influenza is the disease that kills the most in the city. The number of hospitalizations is also a concern. Currently, more than 300 people are hospitalized due to influenza. The good news is that, in the meantime, the municipality is moving forward with its vaccination campaign against the disease, which completed one month this week.

Flu vaccination began on March 21 and was intended only for priority groups, which include the elderly, pregnant women and healthcare workers. But, with low adherence and the increase in the number of cases, City Hall decided to expand the campaign.

As a result, the number of immunizations increased. According to data from the city’s Epidemiological Observatory, more than 980,000 vaccines were administered – a number 63% higher than the municipality’s target, which intended to apply 600,000 doses by April 30th. Even so, Rio’s municipal secretary, Daniel Soranz, said that the scenario is still worrying.

Another strategy by the municipality to reach more people is the opening of extra immunization stations in different regions of the city. This Thursday (25th), the City Hall opened a station at Galeão Airport, in the North Zone of Rio. The unit will operate from 8am to 4pm, from Monday to Saturday, until the 2nd of May.

The flu vaccine is annual and available to everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine protects against three types of the flu virus: variations of the H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B viruses. To be vaccinated, simply present an identification document and, if possible, the vaccination booklet.

*Intern under the supervision of Matheus Carrera