The Ministry of Health, through the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), revealed that, until October 8, 2024, a total of 1,259,611 influenza vaccines administered are registered nationwide.
Of this number of doses, 929,869 have been applied in Minsa facilities and 329,742 in the Social Security Fund (CSS) polyclinics.
The regions with the most doses applied are: Panama Metro with 232,617; Panama West 161,585; Chiriquí with 147,454; the Ngäbe Buglé region with 115,750 doses, Coclé with 104,653; Veraguas 90,828; San Miguelito 81,705; Colón Region 65,942; Bocas del Toro 59,045; Herrera 50,212; Panama East 43,895; North Panama 37,949; Los Santos 27,545; Darién Region 21,160 and the Guna Yala region 19,271.
The PAI stressed that Influenza vaccines are applied throughout the country from Monday to Friday in the various health facilities of the Minsa and the CSS and also on weekends at authorized points and shopping centers.
Likewise, the Ministry of Health reiterates to the population that the Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat and in some cases the lungs.
They warn that this virus can cause mild or severe illness and can sometimes lead to death.
Although influenza viruses cause illness among all age groups, serious complications and death are highest among older adults and among people of any age who have chronic respiratory and heart diseases.
The main tool for preventing influenza is annual vaccination.