With the arrival of intense cold this week, Paraguay's Ministry of Public Health has already administered 806,275 doses of the trivalent influenza vaccine, out of a total of 1.5 million doses made available by the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI). The immunizer protects against influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B strains. Although it does not prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and severe complications, especially in children, whose immune systems are still developing.
For people aged 60 and over, the Pneumococcal 23 vaccine is also available, which prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and other respiratory diseases caused by the pneumococcus bacterium.
In Asunción, vaccination points include the vaccination center of the 18th Health Region, on Avenida Brasil near Fulgencio R. Moreno, and the Maternal and Child Hospitals of San Pablo, Trinidad, Barrio Obrero, and Loma Pytâ, as well as the Social Security Institute (IPS). All operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The campaign takes place amid a forecast of low temperatures for the entire week. The Directorate of Meteorology announces lows of 8°C on Wednesday and 9°C on Thursday, with highs around 19°C. No rain is forecast until Saturday.
On another front, the Ministry of Health and the IPS discussed expanding health coverage. Minister María Teresa Barán highlighted positive experiences of shared services in Itapúa and Ayolas, where insured and uninsured individuals have access to intensive care units. IPS President Isaías Fretes emphasized the need for specialized human resources to accompany infrastructure and equipment. The institutions agreed to maintain technical tables to strengthen coordination throughout the country.