The initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Concordia, is part of a joint epidemiological surveillance strategy at the Mercosur level, to achieve “healthy and safe borders”. The population of Concordia, of all ages, had the possibility of being vaccinated free of charge and completing the applications of the calendar. The objective of the administration of mayor Enrique Cresto was to carry out a broad call and reach out to the residents of the areas furthest from the city center.
During three days, the aim was to deepen the promotion of vaccination and raise awareness about the importance of complying with the national calendar, which is mandatory and proposes the application of vaccines at all stages of life.
In this framework and based on the involvement of Concordia as a border city in a strategy at the Mercosur level, the sessions took place in
“Los Pájaros” Community Integration Center, the Nucleus for Inclusion and Development of Opportunities (NIDO) in Carretera La Cruz and the “Néstor Kirchner” Community Integration Center (former Víctor Oppel premises, Sarmiento neighborhood)
REGIONAL STRATEGY
These days derive from a cooperation project between countries for health development, led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and in which authorities and technical teams from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay participate.
Among the objectives pursued by this articulation, epidemiological surveillance, immunizations and preparation for future emergencies stand out. Based on this, vaccination is positioned as a key strategy to build safer and healthier borders.
In this framework, Concordia joined this international initiative that is in line with the municipal policy of working strongly on the promotion and universal access to health, prioritizing prevention and primary care.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPLYING WITH VACCINATION SCHEDULES
One of the main problems observed is that many people, of different age groups, receive the first dose of a vaccine and do not return to complete the schedule of second doses or boosters. Likewise, many children and adolescents do not have access to vaccination due to the lack of knowledge of their parents and/or responsible guardians.
“Faced with this reality, the Secretariat of Health of Concordia calls, beyond these specific sessions, to approach the nearest health center and consult without problems, at any time of the year. The city has two public hospitals and twenty health centers, which the population can attend in the time slot from 7:00 to 19:00 and request the application of vaccines free of charge, or make inquiries about the calendar and the doses that correspond to each stage of life. It is essential to have the vaccination card at hand” highlighted in this regard Mauro García, Secretary of Health of the Municipality of Concordia.