The Community of Madrid will launch its new 'Lifetime Vaccination Calendar'
from January 1, with three important novelties: the inclusion of immunization against meningitis B for babies, the incorporation of the vaccine against to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in 12-year-old males and the expansion against herpes zoster in the elderly population.
As explained by the Community, the vaccines will be administered mainly
in the Primary Care centers of the Madrid Health Service (Sermas), as well as in the points authorized by the General Directorate of Public Health
.
These new indications of the vaccination program, which go from the prenatal period to mature ages, seek to increase the protection of citizens against different diseases.
Thus,
immunization against meningococcus B will begin in January for babies born on or after November 1, 2022, with a three-dose regimen: at 2, 4, and 12 months of age
.
It will also continue to be done with people who are part of risk groups.
This process can help protect against diseases caused by this bacteria, including meningococcal meningitis type B.
In 2023
, 12-year-old males will also begin to be vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), that is, children born in 2011
, with a regimen of two doses separated by at least six months.
To date, this immunization only affected 12-year-old girls and people included in risk groups.
The Community of Madrid points out that with the new indication, the prevention of infection and diseases related to HPV,
a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious diseases in women, such as cervical cancer, is reinforced in both sexes.
and that also causes injuries in men, who also act as transmitters
.
Among other pathologies, it generates genital warts and anal or oral cancer.
Immunization is more effective before the beginning of sexual intercourse, which is why the Ministry of Health recommends it at an early age.
Against herpes zoster
Finally, the 'Lifetime Vaccination Schedule' of the Community of Madrid
extends prevention against herpes zoster to people aged between 75 and 80 years of age
.
Meanwhile, the indication continues for people who are 65 years of age and for those over 18 with certain risk conditions, a recommendation that the Ministry of Health incorporated at the beginning of this year.
Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which once the childhood infection is overcome, can remain confined and latent until decades later it is reactivated either by advanced age or due to low defenses.
It manifests as a rash on the skin with characteristics similar to chickenpox, which can be extremely painful
.
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