The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Friday urged countries to continue vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent seasonal flu and measles outbreaks.
With ‘Vaccination Week’ in the Americas set to begin from today under the slogan “Love. Trust. Protect. #GetVax”, PAHO recommended that countries strengthen vaccination against seasonal influenza and measles to prevent respiratory illness and vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a news release from PAHO, since 2003, more than 806 million people of all ages have been vaccinated against a wide range of dangerous diseases under the regional initiative, which is promoted by PAHO. The release quoted PAHO director Dr Carissa Etienne as saying, “Vaccines save lives and must be maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most vulnerable should not suffer the consequences of not getting the vaccines they need”.
It was noted that three countries in the Americas—Argentina, Brazil and Mexico—are currently battling measles outbreaks while still dealing with COVID-19. Vaccination to prevent respiratory illnesses from influenza and to stop measles is key to protecting people while ensuring that health systems are able to focus on the COVID-19 response.
The release went on to say that a number of countries have adopted resourceful solutions to continue the vaccination of at risk persons safely during the pandemic. It explained that in Brazil vaccination posts were set up in schools that are empty due to the coronavirus outbreak and in supermarkets and pharmacies. There is also drive-through vaccination along with vaccinations at home for persons who are unable to leave their houses for health reasons. In El Salvador, vaccination stations have been set up in banks where older persons go to get their allowances from the government and also in nursing homes.
During this time, countries are including COVID-19 prevention messages as part of the Vaccination Week campaigns. Against this background, PAHO suggested having virtual launches and activities as a safe way to celebrate vaccination week.
