Risk groups #
Ana Bertone, Provincial Director of Epidemiology, said to Provincial News Agency that “La Pampa has received the flu vaccines for the 2026 campaign. After their distribution throughout the province, we are ready to begin immunizations tomorrow at every provincial health facility. As in previous years, the teams will prioritize the most exposed healthcare workers and the defined risk groups: pregnant women in any trimester, postpartum women up to 10 days after delivery if they were not vaccinated during pregnancy, all infants from 6 to 24 months, people with comorbidities or risk factors, and adults over 65 years of age. In these last two groups, those with private health insurance will have access to the corresponding coverage; those without will receive the vaccine through the public healthcare system.”
The Importance of Vaccination #
Regarding the importance of completing vaccination schedules, Bertone emphasized that “with the arrival of winter, respiratory illnesses once again take center stage in community health. During this time, the circulation of various viruses increases, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus (responsible for the flu), and other germs that can cause bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and severe illness in vulnerable individuals. Prevention is the most effective tool for reducing the impact of these infections. Simple measures such as washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose with the crook of the elbow when coughing or sneezing, cleaning and disinfecting commonly used surfaces, ventilating enclosed spaces, and avoiding crowded places when symptoms are present, help break the chain of transmission. And vaccines play a fundamental role in this regard.”
H3N2 Variant #
During the months of predominance of respiratory diseases in the Earth northern hemisphere, the expansion of the influenza A(H3N2) variant known as subclade K has been detected. It has been associated with greater transmissibility and an earlier flu season, but the available data indicate that it has not significantly increased clinical severity.
The Director of Epidemiology noted that **“according to the World Health Organization, flu activity began three to six weeks earlier than expected in places like Spain, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Specialists explained that this subclade presents modifications in its surface proteins that partially reduce recognition by the immune system, facilitating transmission, especially in enclosed and poorly ventilated environments during the colder months. While it is not currently linked to more severe clinical presentations than other variants, its greater transmissibility could translate into a high volume of cases and, consequently, greater pressure on healthcare services” she said
Symptoms #
Regarding the symptoms, Bertone detailed: “They do not differ significantly from those of the common flu: sudden onset of high fever, chills, body aches and headaches, intense fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion. These symptoms do not always appear together. The greatest risk is for people with pre-existing conditions, who are more prone to developing respiratory complications and requiring hospitalization.”
Bertone emphasized that “annual vaccination remains the primary tool for preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with the flu. Timing is also essential: getting vaccinated before the onset of intense viral circulation allows the body to build up defenses and be protected during the colder months.”
Finally, the official stressed the importance of confidence in vaccines. “They are safe because they undergo rigorous controls for approval, and effective because they have eradicated, eliminated, or controlled diseases that previously caused enormous harm. Sometimes, vaccines become ‘victims of their own success,’ since when a disease disappears thanks to immunization, society tends to forget how ‘dangerous’ it was, and the perception of risk decreases, along with the perceived need to continue getting vaccinated.”
She also reminded everyone that “completing vaccination schedules is fundamental to keeping the entire community protected. In the Province, we have teams of trained and dedicated vaccinators who advise and support the public with any concerns.”
“Vaccination is an act of collective care, supported by trained professionals who guarantee confidence and safety at every step,” she concluded.
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