IPS to bring flu vaccine to workplaces in Paraguay

Paraguay's Institute of Social Security (IPS) is deploying mobile vaccination brigades to companies in an effort to combat a sharp rise in severe influenza cases. The initiative comes as the nation grapples with low immunization rates and a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, which have led to over one hundred deaths so far this year.

The IPS Council of Administration ordered the creation of these traveling vaccination teams to directly reach employees, aiming to reverse the current deficient vaccination coverage. Health system saturation is a primary concern, with the Ministry of Public Health reporting 112 deaths from influenza complications this year, predominantly affecting unvaccinated individuals at the extremes of life.

"There are many sick with severe influenza and there are many deaths. It is a high life-risk situation that people must know," officials warned during a session. The ideal coverage target to curb the outbreak's impact is over 90%. To address absenteeism and protect insured individuals, the IPS will coordinate with the Directorate of Worker Contributions to identify companies with the largest workforces.

Resources are being re-engineered, with nursing staff and promotion teams from central and peripheral offices being reassigned to prioritize this mass campaign. The goal is to make vaccine access easier by moving beyond traditional healthcare centers and bringing the service directly to the workplace, ensuring a more effective response to the escalating public health crisis.

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There are many sick with severe influenza and there are many deaths. It is a high life-risk situation that people must know.