Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital Expands Vaccination Campaign
- VIÑA DEL MAR, Chile – Following teh immunization of 59% of its staff, Dr.
- The hospital began vaccinating its personnel a month ago, with over 3,000 employees receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Giennine Díez Olivares,head nurse of the hospital's epidemiology and Immunizations Unit,emphasized the importance of community-wide vaccination.
Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital Expands Vaccination Efforts to General Public
VIÑA DEL MAR, Chile – Following teh immunization of 59% of its staff, Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital has extended its influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign to include the general public. The initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations and curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The hospital began vaccinating its personnel a month ago, with over 3,000 employees receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Hospital officials say the move is crucial for safeguarding healthcare workers and preventing serious health complications.
Community Protection Through Immunization
Giennine Díez Olivares,head nurse of the hospital’s epidemiology and Immunizations Unit,emphasized the importance of community-wide vaccination. “immunization is about community protection,” Díez Olivares said. “By protecting ourselves, we reduce the risk of severe illness. Increased vaccination rates within the community lead to decreased viral circulation. It’s especially important to immunize those in high-risk groups who may not be able to receive vaccinations due to underlying health conditions.”
She added,”Healthcare workers who interact directly with patients have a obligation to protect themselves,their families,and their patients.”
Reaching the Public
With a notable portion of its internal workforce vaccinated, the Epidemiology and Immunizations Unit, in collaboration with the Viña del Mar quillota Petorca health service, has established public vaccination sites.
Hospital staff, including students, substitute employees, external company personnel, and volunteers, are considered part of the high-risk group and are encouraged to receive annual vaccinations.
Vaccination Locations and Hours
To support the national immunization strategy, the hospital has set up two vaccination points for the public, targeting individuals in risk groups who are visiting the hospital for outpatient care, medication pick-up, or to see hospitalized patients. The goal is to make vaccines easily accessible.
- Programmed Procedures Area (New Hospital): Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Specialties Office (CAE): Monday to Thursday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A Novel Approach
Díez Olivares described the expanded vaccination program as “a novel strategy, not previously implemented until last year. As a hospital, we are strongly committed to immunizing our entire population, reaching not only our staff but also members of the public who frequent the hospital.”
She specified that the target population includes individuals over 60, pregnant women, children between six months of age, and people with severe dependencies.
Addressing Concerns
Díez Olivares encouraged anyone unsure about their eligibility for vaccination or with questions about vaccines to speak with the vaccination team. “we invite relatives, visitors, and people coming to our hospital and specialty office to visit these vaccination points to get immunized and gain protection for the winter,” she concluded.
Additional Vaccination site
The Cesfam Marco Maldonado also operates a vaccination point in the hospital’s chapel, Monday through Thursday until 4:00 p.m., and Fridays until 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital: Your Guide to Expanded Public Vaccinations
Here’s a comprehensive guide to Dr.Gustavo Fricke Hospital’s expanded vaccination efforts, designed to answer your key questions about teh programme.
What is Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital doing?
Dr. Gustavo Fricke Hospital in Viña del Mar,chile,has expanded its influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign to include the general public. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations and combat the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Why did the hospital expand its vaccination program?
The hospital aims to enhance community protection through immunization. Following the successful vaccination of its staff, with 59% of personnel immunized, the hospital extended the program to safeguard the broader public and reduce the risk of severe illnesses.
Who is eligible for vaccination?
The expanded vaccination program targets specific at-risk groups. These include:
Individuals over 60 years old
Pregnant women
Children aged six months and older
people with severe dependencies
Hospital staff, including students, substitute employees, external company personnel and volunteers.
Where can I get vaccinated?
The hospital has established multiple vaccination points for public access:
Programmed Procedures Area (New Hospital):
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
specialties Office (CAE):
Monday to thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cesfam Marco Maldonado (Hospital Chapel):
Monday to Thursday: Until 4:00 p.m.
Friday: Until 3:00 p.m.
What vaccines are being offered?
The article mentions both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines are available.
What are the key benefits of vaccination, according to the hospital?
According to Giennine Díez Olivares, head nurse of the hospital’s epidemiology and Immunizations Unit, immunization leads to:
Community Protection.
Reduction in the Risk of severe illness.
* Decreased Viral Circulation.
Is this vaccination program new?
Yes, according to the source, this is a “novel strategy, not previously implemented until last year”. The hospital is strongly committed to immunizing its entire population.
Can anyone get vaccinated at these sites?
The vaccination points are designed to be easily accessible, notably for individuals in risk groups already visiting the hospital for outpatient care, medication pick-up, or to see hospitalized patients. Though, the target population is defined in the article.
What if I’m unsure if I’m eligible or have questions about the vaccines?
The hospital encourages anyone with questions or uncertainties about vaccine eligibility to consult with the vaccination team.
Summary of Vaccination Locations and Hours
The following table summarizes the vaccination locations and the corresponding hours of operation:
| Location | Days | Hours |
| :—————————————- | :————— | :——————- |
| Programmed Procedures Area (New Hospital) | Monday – Thursday | 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. |
| | Friday | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Specialties Office (CAE) | Monday – Thursday | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| | Friday | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Cesfam Marco Maldonado (Hospital Chapel) | Monday – Thursday | Until 4:00 p.m. |
| | Friday | Until 3:00 p.m. |
