Flu jabs start early to avoid COVID-19 log jam in Spain’s Valencian Community

FLU VACCINATIONS will start on October 5 in the Valencian Community.

That’s a month earlier than normal to avoid issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign has been brought forward due to the similarity of some flu symptoms and the coronavirus.

Another factor is to stop flu cases swamping the healthcare system at a time when more COVID-19 cases may need hospital treatment.

Patients in ‘at risk’ groups like health workers and people living in nursing homes will be contacted during the rest of September to organise their vaccinations.

Valencian health minister, Ana Barcelo, said:

“The aim is get 75 per cent of people aged 64 and over vaccinated along with health staff.”

” We have a minimum target of reaching 60 per cent in other vulnerable groups like young children and people with pre-existing conditions.”