ARS in Occitanie calls for the vaccination of vulnerable populations

At the beginning of November, winter comes, and with it its share of pandemics – influenza, bronchiolitis and Covid – that French people face every year.

The Regional Health Agency of Occitanie (ARS) therefore calls for maximum vigilance to avoid chain contamination. Particular attention is paid to bronchiolitis, as the area is in a pre-epidemic state. “Bronchiolitis activity is increasing, with about a hundred visits to the emergency room. This disease can be a burden because 25% of children who come to the emergency room with this type of diagnosis are hospitalized, while the hospitalization rate for this age group in general is 13 %. »“, confirms Sophie Albert, Deputy Director General of the ARS. The agency therefore calls on people to favor barrier gestures. The new prophylactic treatment in one injection has been available since September 15, especially for infants.

Regarding influenza and Covid, the ARS calls for the vaccination of vulnerable populations (the elderly, those with long-term illness, pregnant women, people with obesity and those residing in a healthcare facility).

The flu vaccination campaign is open until January 31, and is covered for these people.
311,000 Hérault residents and 198,000 Gardoise residents were affected – numbers that are underestimated due to the absence of pregnant women and obese people in health insurance files. “The goal of influenza vaccination is to reach 75%, which will allow us to reduce the number of deaths by 1,000 cases every year.”insists Anke Bourgeois, a doctor in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at Montpellier University Hospital.

To facilitate the vaccination process, midwives, pharmacists and nurses can also give injections without a prescription. Health professionals, who are in contact with patients and are able to easily transmit the virus, are also encouraged to get vaccinated. “The influenza vaccination coverage rate among caregivers is very inadequate, we were at 25.9% last year.” »“, notes Philippe Trottabas, director of health insurance company Herault. This year, although the vaccination campaign for white coats has just begun, the start has also been slow. “0.5% of nursing home workers, 1% of self-employed health workers, and 0.5% of health institution workers have been revaccinated.”, Sophie Albert narrates. Are caregivers afraid of the injection?