Puerto Rico launches largest public health campaign since Hurricane Maria [View all]
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — One of the world’s largest-ever one-day vaccination campaigns happened on Saturday, March 10, across Puerto Rico. Up to 25,000 people were vaccinated against influenza in a daylong event conducted by the VOCES Puerto Rico Vaccination Coalition, Puerto Rico’s Department of Health, The CDC Foundation, Direct Relief and others.
“A year-round flu season, combined with the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria to Puerto Rico’s vaccine inventories, has left the island’s population severely vulnerable to influenza and other conditions,” said Lilliam Rodríguez, president and founder of VOCES Puerto Rico. “Immediate action through immunization is needed to protect the lives and health of the population. Today’s island-wide vaccination campaign aims to close the immunization gap and promote health for all.”
Puerto Rico’s healthcare system was devastated by Hurricane Maria last September, leaving fewer Puerto Ricans vaccinated this flu season. Dozens of clinics were shut and most lost the electrical power needed to refrigerate vaccines. Many clinics still don’t have electrical grid power.
Free influenza vaccinations were offered on Saturday at the 18,500-person capacity Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan and more than 50 vaccination centers, pharmacies, hospitals and primary health centers throughout the island.
Read more: http://wp.caribbeannewsnow.com/2018/03/12/puerto-rico-launches-largest-public-health-campaign-since-hurricane-maria/
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